ing the courtyard, however, he fell in
with Toto Chupin bringing in his daily report, which Beaumarchef thought
would be what it usually was--a mere matter of form. He was, however,
much mistaken; for though outwardly Toto was the same, yet his ideas had
taken an entirely new direction; and when Beaumarchef urged him to look
sharp, the request was received with a great deal of sullenness.

"I ain't lost no time," said he, "and have fished up a thing or two
fresh; but before saying a word--"

He stopped, and seemed a little confused.

"Well, go on."

"I want a fresh arrangement."

Beaumarchef was staggered.

"Arrangement!" he echoed.

"Of course you can lump it if yer don't like it," said the boy. "Do
you think as how I'm going to work like a horse, and not get a wink of
sleep, just for a 'thank ye, Chupin?' No fear. I'm worth a sight more
nor that."

Beaumarchef flew into a rage.

"Then you are not worth a pinch of salt," said he.

"All right, my cove."

"And you are an ungrateful young villain to talk like this after all the
kindness your master has shown you."

Chupin gave a sarcastic laugh.

"Goodness!" cried he. "To hear you go on, one would think that the boss
had ruined himself for my sake."

"He took you out of the streets, and has given you a room ever since."

"A room, do you say? I call it a dog kennel."

"You have your breakfast and dinner every day regularly."

"I know that, and half a bottle of wine at each meal, which has so much
water in it that it cannot even stain the tablecloth."

"You are an ungrateful young hound," exclaimed Beaumarchef, "and forget
that, in addition to this, he has set you up in business as a hot
chestnut seller."

"Good old business! I am allowed to stand all day under the gateway,
roasted on one side, and frozen on the other, and gain, perhaps twenty
sous."

"You know that in summer he has promised to set you up in the fried
potato line."

"Thank ye for nothing; I don't like the smell of grease."

"What is it you want, then?"

"Nothing. I feels that I ought to be a gentleman at large."

Beaumarchef cast a furious glance at the shameless youth, and told him
that he would report everything to his master. The boy, however, did not
seem to care a pin.

"I intends to see Master Mascarin myself presently," remarked Chupin.

"You are an idiot."

"Why so? Do you think I didn't live better before I had anything to
do with this blooming old cove? I never