fs. Do the rest
to-morrow and come here at three o'clock as you did to-day."

And after shaking hands, Duroy descended the staircase with a light
heart.

CHAPTER IV.

DUROY LEARNS SOMETHING

Georges Duroy did not sleep well, so anxious was he to see his article
in print. He rose at daybreak, and was on the street long before the
newsboys. When he secured a paper and saw his name at the end of a
column in large letters, he became very much excited. He felt inclined
to enact the part of a newsboy and cry out to the hurrying throng: "Buy
this! it contains an article by me!" He strolled along to a cafe and
seated himself in order to read the article through; that done he
decided to go to the railroad office, draw his salary, and hand in his
resignation.

With great pomposity he informed the chief clerk that he was on the
staff of "La Vie Francaise," and by that means was avenged for many
petty insults which had been offered him. He then had some cards
written with his new calling beneath his name, made several purchases,
and repaired to the office of "La Vie Francaise." Forestier received
him loftily as one would an inferior.

"Ah, here you are! Very well; I have several things for you to do. Just
wait ten minutes till I finish this work." He continued writing.

At the other end of the table sat a short, pale man, very stout and
bald. Forestier asked him, when his letter was completed, "Saint-Potin,
at what time shall you interview those people?"

"At four o'clock."

"Take Duroy, who is here, with you and initiate him into the business."

"Very well."

Then turning to his friend, Forestier added: "Have you brought the
other paper on Algeria? The article this morning was very successful."

Duroy stammered: "No, I thought I should have time this afternoon. I
had so much to do--I could not."

The other shrugged his shoulders. "If you are not more careful, you
will spoil your future. M. Walter counted on your copy. I will tell him
it will be ready to-morrow. If you think you will be paid for doing
nothing, you are mistaken." After a pause, he added: "You should strike
while the iron is hot."

Saint-Potin rose: "I am ready," said he.

Forestier turned around in his chair and said, to Duroy: "Listen. The
Chinese general Li-Theng-Fao, stopping at the Continental, and Rajah
Taposahib Ramaderao Pali, stopping at Hotel Bishop, have been in Paris
two days. You must interview them." Addressing Saint-Potin, h