ave to follow this son, and find out his name and
address, what he does, and how he lives. I don't know if I explain what
I mean very clearly."

This doubt was awakened in M. Fortunat's mind by Chupin's features,
which were expressive of lively astonishment and discontent. "Excuse me,
monsieur," he said, at last, "I do not understand at all."

"It's very simple, however. The lady in question has a son about twenty.
I know it--I'm sure of it. But she denies it; she conceals the fact, and
he doesn't even know her. She secretly watches over him, however--she
provides him with money, and every day she finds some way of seeing him.
Now, it is to my interest to find this son."

Chupin's mobile face became actually threatening in its expression; he
frowned darkly, and his lips quivered. Still this did not prevent M.
Fortunat from adding, with the assurance of a man who does not even
suspect the possibility of a refusal: "Now, when shall we set about our
task?"

"Never!" cried Chupin, violently; and, rising, he continued: "No! I
wouldn't let my good mother eat bread earned in that way--it would
strangle her! Turn spy! I? Thanks--some one else may have the job!" He
had become as red as a turkey-cock, and such was his indignation that he
forgot his accustomed reserve and the caution with which he had so far
concealed his antecedents. "I know this game--I've tried it!" he went
on, vehemently. "One might as well take one's ticket to prison by a
direct road. I should be there now if it hadn't been for Monsieur Andre.
I was thirsting for gold, and, like the brigand that I was, I should
have killed the man; but in revenge he drew me from the mire and placed
my feet on solid ground once more. And now, shall I go back to my vile
tricks again? Why, I'd rather cut my leg off! I'm to hunt down this poor
woman--I'm to discover her secret so that you may extort money from her,
am I? No, not I! I should like to be rich, and I shall be rich; but I'll
make my money honestly. I hope to touch my hundred-franc pieces without
being obliged to wash my hands afterward. So, a very good evening to
your establishment."

M. Fortunat was amazed, and at the same time much annoyed, to find
himself forsaken on account of such a trifle. He feared, too, that
Chupin might let his tongue wag if he left his employment. So, since he
had confided this project to Chupin, he was determined that Chupin alone
should carry it into execution. Assuming his most sever