that such vermin were not to ruffle him, “to see a thief

accompanying my carriage, and not open that great mouth of

yours. Bah! Put him aside, Monsieur Gabelle!”

Monsieur Gabelle was the Postmaster, and some other taxing

functionary united; he had come out with great obsequiousness to

assist at this examination, and had held the examined by the

drapery of his arm in an official manner.

“Bah! Go aside!” said Monsieur Gabelle.

“Lay hands on this stranger if he seeks to lodge in your village

tonight, and be sure that his business is honest, Gabelle.”

“Monseigneur, I am flattered to devote myself to your orders.”

“Did he run away, fellow?Where is that Accursed?”

The accursed was already under the carriage with some halfdozen

particular friends, pointing out the chain with his blue cap.

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Some half-dozen other particular friends promptly hauled him

out, and presented him breathless to Monsieur the Marquis.

“Did the man run away, Dolt, when we stopped for the drag?”

“Monseigneur, he precipitated himself over the hillside, head

first, as a person plunges into the river.”

“See to it, Gabelle. Go on!”

The half-dozen who were peering at the chain were still among

the wheels, like sheep; the wheels turned so suddenly that they

were lucky to save their skins and bones; they had very little else