that burden. I have tried to make provision; but, you see,"
he took hold of my sleeve, "I, too, have not been fortunate; in fact,
it's difficult to save a great deal out of L 190 a year; but the capital
is perfectly safe--and I get L 47, 10s. a quarter, paid on the nail. I
have often been tempted to reinvest at a greater rate of interest, but
I've never dared. Anyway, there are no debts--I've been obliged to
make a rule not to buy what I couldn't pay for on the spot.... Now I am
really plaguing you--but I wanted to tell you--in case-anything should
happen to me." He seemed to take a sudden scare, stiffened, twisted his
moustache, and muttering, "Your great kindness! Shall never forget!"
turned hurriedly away.

He vanished; his footsteps, and the tap of his stick grew fainter and
fainter. They died out. He was gone. Suddenly I got up and hastened
after him. I soon stopped--what was there to say?

VIII

The following day I was obliged to go to Nice, and did not return till
midnight. The porter told me that Jules le Ferrier had been to see me.
The next morning, while I was still in bed, the door was opened, and
Jules appeared. His face was very pale; and the moment he stood still
drops of perspiration began coursing down his cheeks.

"Georges!" he said, "he is dead. There, there! How stupid you look! My
man is packing. I have half an hour before the train; my evidence shall
come from Italy. I have done my part, the rest is for you. Why did you
have that dinner? The Don Quixote! The idiot! The poor man! Don't move!
Have you a cigar? Listen! When you followed him, I followed the other
two. My infernal curiosity! Can you conceive a greater folly? How fast
they walked, those two! feeling their cheeks, as if he had struck them
both, you know; it was funny. They soon saw me, for their eyes were all
round about their heads; they had the mark of a glove on their cheeks."
The colour began to come back, into Jules's face; he gesticulated
with his cigar and became more and more dramatic. "They waited for me.
'Tiens!' said one, 'this gentleman was with him. My friend's name is M.
Le Baron de---. The man who struck him was an odd-looking person;
kindly inform me whether it is possible for my friend to meet him?' Eh!"
commented Jules, "he was offensive! Was it for me to give our dignity
away? 'Perfectly, monsieur!' I answered. 'In that case,' he said,
'please give me his name and ad dress.... I could not remember his name,
and