He had not been alarmed without reason however, for his enemies, vexed
but not discouraged by the failure of their several attempts upon him,
had by no means renounced their determination to make away with him.
Merindol, who was threatened by the duke with being sent back to the
galleys whence he had rescued him, unless he and his comrades succeeded
in disposing of the Baron de Sigognac, resolved to invoke the assistance
of a certain clever rascal of his acquaintance, who had never been known
to fail in any job of that kind which he undertook. He no longer felt
himself capable to cope with the baron, and moreover now, laboured
under the serious disadvantage of being personally known to him. He
went accordingly to look up his friend, Jacquemin Lampourde by name, who
lodged not very far from the Pont-Neuf, and was lucky enough to find him
at home, sleeping off the effects of his last carouse. He awoke him with
some difficulty, and was violently abused for his pains. Then, having
quietly waited until his friend's first fury was exhausted, he announced
that he had come to consult with him on important business, having
an excellent job to intrust to him, and begging that he would be good
enough to listen to what he had to say.

"I never listen to anybody when I am drunk," said Jacquemin Lampourde,
majestically, putting his elbow on his knee as he spoke, and resting his
head on his hand--"and besides, I have plenty of money--any quantity
of gold pieces. We plundered a rich English lord last night, who was
a walking cash-box, and I am a gentleman of wealth just at present.
However, one evening at lansquenet may swallow it all up. I can't resist
gambling you know, and I'm deuced unlucky at it, so I will see you
to-night about this little matter of yours. Meet me at the foot of the
bronze statue on the Pont-Neuf at midnight. I shall be as fresh and
bright as a lark by that time, and ready for anything. You shall give me
your instructions then, and we will agree upon my share of the spoils.
It should be something handsome, for I have the vanity to believe
that no one would come and disturb a fellow of my calibre for any
insignificant piece of business. But after all I am weary of playing
the thief and pickpocket--it is beneath me--and I mean to devote all my
energies in future to the noble art of assassination; it is more worthy
of my undisputed prowess. I would rather be a grand, man-slaying lion
than any meaner beast of prey. If