ut
thinking of you."

"Why, M. Rodolph did not tell me to do so, and I thought that perhaps he
had no further occasion for me."

"But you might have supposed that he would, at least, desire to express
his gratitude to you."

"Did you not tell me that M. Rodolph has not forgotten me, M. Murphy?"

"Well, well, don't let us say another word about it; only I have had a
great deal of trouble to find you out. You do not now go to the
ogress's?"

"No."

"Why not?"

"Oh, from some foolish notions I have had."

"Very well. But to return to what you were telling me--"

"To what, M. Murphy?"

"You told me, I am glad I have found you, and still happy, perhaps--"

"Oh, yes, M. Murphy! Why, you see, when you came to where I was at work
at the timber-yard, you said, 'My lad, I am not rich, but I can procure
you a situation where your work will be easier than on the Quai, and
where you will gain four francs a day.' Four francs a day! Vive la
Charte! I could not believe it; 'twas the pay of an adjutant
sub-officer! I replied, 'That's the very thing for me, M. Murphy!' but
you said then that I must not look so like a beggar, as that would
frighten the employer to whom you would take me. I answered, 'I have not
the means of dressing otherwise.' You said to me, 'Come to the Temple.'
I followed you. I chose the most spicy attire that Mother Hubart
had,--you advanced me the money to pay her,--and in a quarter of an hour
I was as smart as a landlord or a dentist. You appointed me to meet you
this morning at the Porte St. Denis, at daybreak; I found you there in a
cab, and here we are."

"Well, do you find anything to regret in all this?"

"Why, I'll tell you, M. Murphy. You see, to be dressed in this way
spoils a fellow; and so, you see, when I put on again my old smock-frock
and trousers, I sha'n't like it. And then, to gain four francs a
day,--I, who never earned but two,--and that all at once! why, I seem to
have made too great a start all of a sudden, and that it cannot last. I
would rather sleep all my life on the wretched straw bed in my
cock-loft, than sleep five or six nights only in a good bed. That's my
view of the thing."

"And you are by no means peculiar in your view; but the best thing is to
sleep always in a good bed."

"And no mistake; it is better to have a bellyful of victuals every day
than to starve with hunger. Ah! here is a butchery here," said the
Chourineur, as he listened to the blows of the chopp