ens-d'armes_, a hackney-coach, and a long, narrow carriage with a
yellow body, drawn by three post-horses, who were neighing loudly.

"We shall not be full inside," said the widow, as she took her seat.

The two vehicles, preceded and followed by the picquet of
_gens-d'armes_, then quitted the outer gate of Bicetre, and went quickly
towards the Boulevard St. Jacques.

CHAPTER X.

MARTIAL AND THE CHOURINEUR.

Before we proceed we have a few words to say as to the acquaintance
recently established between the Chourineur and Martial.

When Germain had left the prison, the Chourineur proved very easily that
he had robbed himself; and making a statement of his motive for this
singular mystification to the magistrate, he was set at liberty, after
having been severely admonished.

Desirous of recompensing the Chourineur for this fresh act of devotion,
Rodolph, in order to realise the wishes of his rough protege, had lodged
him in the hotel of the Rue Plumet, promising that he should accompany
him on his return to Germany.

The Chourineur's blind attachment to Rodolph was like that of a dog for
his master. When, however, the prince had found his daughter, all was
changed, and, in spite of his warm gratitude for the man who had saved
his life, he could not make up his mind to take with him to Germany the
witness of Fleur-de-Marie's fallen state; yet, determined to carry out
the Chourineur's wishes, he sent for him, and told him that he had still
another service to ask of him. At this the Chourineur's countenance
brightened up; but he was greatly distressed when he learned that he
must quit the hotel that very day, and would not accompany the prince to
Germany.

It is useless to mention the munificent compensations which Rodolph
offered to the Chourineur,--the money he intended for him, the farm in
Algeria, anything he could desire. The Chourineur was wounded to the
heart, refused, and (perhaps for the first time in his life) wept.
Rodolph was compelled to force his presents on him.

Next day the prince sent for La Louve and Martial, and inquired what he
could do for them. Remembering what Fleur-de-Marie had told him of the
wild taste of La Louve and her husband, he proposed to the hardy couple
either a considerable sum of money, or half the sum and land in full
cultivation adjoining the farm he had bought for the Chourineur,
believing that by bringing them together they would sympathise, from
their desire to