on local
circumstances. You have to deal with a strong force; that fellow is very
astute. The way he attempted to get back the pictures your uncle had
given to Joseph, the audacity with which he laid a crime on your poor
brother's shoulders, all go to prove that the adversary is capable of
everything. Therefore, be prudent; and try to behave properly out of
policy, if you can't do so out of decency. Without telling Joseph, whose
artist's pride would be up in arms, I have sent the pictures to Monsieur
Hochon, telling him to give them up to no one but you. By the way,
Maxence Gilet is a brave man."

"So much the better," said Philippe; "I count on his courage for
success; a coward would leave Issoudun."

"Well,--think of your mother who has been so devoted to you, and of your
brother, whom you made your milch cow."

"Ah! did he tell you that nonsense?" cried Philippe.

"Am I not the friend of the family, and don't I know much more about you
than they do?" asked Desroches.

"What do you know?" said Philippe.

"That you betrayed your comrades."

"I!" exclaimed Philippe. "I! a staff-officer of the Emperor! Absurd!
Why, we fooled the Chamber of Peers, the lawyers, the government, and
the whole of the damned concern. The king's people were completely
hood-winked."

"That's all very well, if it was so," answered the lawyer. "But, don't
you see, the Bourbons can't be overthrown; all Europe is backing them;
and you ought to try to make your peace with the war department,--you
could do that readily enough if you were rich. To get rich, you and your
brother, you must lay hold of your uncle. If you will take the trouble
to manage an affair which needs great cleverness, patience, and caution,
you have enough work before you to occupy your five years."

"No, no," cried Philippe, "I must take the bull by the horns at once.
This Maxence may alter the investment of the property and put it in that
woman's name; and then all would be lost."

"Monsieur Hochon is a good adviser, and sees clearly; consult him. You
have your orders from the police; I have taken your place in the Orleans
diligence for half-past seven o'clock this evening. I suppose your trunk
is ready; so, now come and dine."

"I own nothing but what I have got on my back," said Philippe, opening
his horrible blue overcoat; "but I only need three things, which you
must tell Giroudeau, the uncle of Finot, to send me,--my sabre, my
sword, and my pistols."

"You n