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"Truly, you did well," said the Marquis, felicitously sensible

that such vermin were not to ruffle him, "to see a thief

accompanying my carriage, and not open that great mouth of yours.

Bah! Put him aside, Monsieur Gabelle!"

Monsieur Gabelle was the Postmaster, and some other taxing

functionary united; he had come out with great obsequiousness to

assist at this examination, and had held the examined by the

drapery of his arm in an official manner.

"Bah! Go aside!" said Monsieur Gabelle.

"Lay hands on this stranger if he seeks to lodge in your village

to-night, and be sure that his business is honest, Gabelle."

"Monseigneur, I am flattered to devote myself to your orders."

"Did he run away, fellow?--where is that Accursed?"

The accursed was already under the carriage with some half-dozen

particular friends, pointing out the chain with his blue cap.

Some half-dozen other particular friends promptly hauled him out,

and presented him breathless to Monsieur the Marquis.