obsequiously conducted him to the officer in charge. The
latter, a short, determined-looking man with a bristling gray moustache
and gray hair that stood almost on end upon his little round head,
recognized his illustrious visitor at a glance. He hastily arose from
the desk at which he was seated, engaged in examining the reports of his
subordinates, and politely offered him a chair. Then he asked,
deferentially:

"To what am I indebted for so distinguished an honor as a call from the
Count of Monte-Cristo?"

"Monsieur," replied the Count, taking the proffered seat, "two Italians
were arrested a short time ago on the Champs-Elysees and brought
hither."

"Yes," said the chief of the poste, "and great scoundrels they are, too!
We have been shadowing them for some time, but could never detect them
in any overt act until to-day. They belong to a very dangerous gang of
prowlers, led by a shrewd German named Waldmann, whose headquarters are
in a wretched caboulot of the Cite d' Antin."

"Of what are these Italians accused, that is what is the present
specific charge against them?"

"They were caught picking pockets in the crowd thronging about a
marionette show."

"Is the evidence against them conclusive?"

"It is."

"That is unfortunate," said the Count, "as one of them is in possession
of information of the utmost importance to me. He has made partial
revelations, but sets as the price of a full disclosure my interference
in behalf of himself and his comrade in crime. What can be done?"

"I do not see," replied the chief, in perplexity. "It is impossible for
me to let the men off."

"But is there not some way in which I could obtain a mitigation of their
punishment?"

"Oh! as for that, yes," said the officer, brightening. "If you would
speak to the Procureur de la Republique, I am sure he would grant you
the minimum sentence in such cases. Perhaps," added he, as a sudden
thought struck him, "he might even be induced not to press the
prosecution, in which event the men would be discharged."

"Thank you, monsieur," said the Count, rising. "I will act upon your
wise suggestion without delay. But can you grant me a small favor? Can
you allow me a brief interview with the man calling himself Peppino?"

"Undoubtedly," answered the chief, in a cordial voice, "and I shall be
very glad to do so if it will assist you any."

"It will enable me to assure the man that I am at work and have some
hope of success."

"