id not know who was the new proprietor, for he had bought the
property through an agent. At this moment two persons, who had come from
Paris in a cabriolet, alighted at the door of the shop.

The one was Murphy, quite cured of his wound, and the other the
Chourineur. At the risk of repeating a vulgar saying, we will assert
that the impression produced by dress is so powerful, that the guest of
the "cribs" of the Cite was hardly to be recognised in his present
attire. His countenance had undergone the same change; he had put off,
with his rags, his savage, coarse, and vulgar air; and to see him walk
with both his hands in the pockets of his long and warm coat of dark
broadcloth, he might have been taken for one of the most inoffensive
citizens in the world.

"'Faith, my fine fellow, the way was long and the cold excessive; were
they not?"

"Why, I really did not perceive it, M. Murphy; I am too happy, and joy
keeps one warm. Besides, when I say happy, why--"

"What?"

"Yesterday you came to seek for me at the Port St. Nicolas, where I was
unloading as hard as I could to keep myself warm. I had not seen you
since the night when the white-haired negro had put out the
Schoolmaster's eyes. By Jove! it quite shook me, that affair did. And M.
Rodolph, what a countenance!--he who looked so mild and gentle! I was
quite frightened at that moment; I was, indeed--"

"Well, what then?"

"You said to me, 'Good day, Chourineur.' 'Good day, M. Murphy,' says I.
'What, you are up again, I see! So much the better,--so much the better.
And M. Rodolph?' 'He was obliged to leave Paris some days after the
affair of the Allee des Veuves, and he forgot you, my man.' 'Well, M.
Murphy, I can only say that if M. Rodolph has forgotten me, why--I shall
be very sorry for it, that's all.' 'I meant to say, my good fellow, that
he had forgotten to recompense your services, but that he should always
remember them.' So, M. Murphy, those words cheered me up again directly.
_Tonnerre!_ I--I shall never forget him. He told me I had heart and
honour,--that's enough."

"Unfortunately, my lad, monseigneur left without giving any orders about
you. I have nothing but what monseigneur gives me, and I am unable to
repay as I could wish all that I owe you personally."

"Come, come, M. Murphy, you are jesting with me."

"But why the devil did you not come back again to the Allee des Veuves
after that fatal night? Then monseigneur would not have left witho