more scoundrels guillotined since the other
day? Ah, you old rogue, you want to oust me from my place I can see!"

The old man was sadly changed.

The consciousness of his mistake made him humble and meek. These
pleasantries, which a few days before would have made him angry, now
did not touch him. Instead of retaliating, he bowed his head in such a
penitent manner that Gevrol was astonished.

"Jeer at me, my good M. Gevrol," he replied, "mock me without pity; you
are right, I deserve it all."

"Ah, come now," said the chief, "have you then performed some new
masterpiece, you impetuous old fellow?"

Old Tabaret shook his head sadly.

"I have delivered up an innocent man," he said, "and justice will not
restore him his freedom."

Gevrol was delighted, and rubbed his hands until he almost wore away the
skin.

"This is fine," he sang out, "this is capital. To bring criminals to
justice is of no account at all. But to free the innocent, by Jove! that
is the last touch of art. Tirauclair, you are an immense wonder; and I
bow before you."

And at the same time, he raised his hat ironically.

"Don't crush me," replied the old fellow. "As you know, in spite of my
grey hairs, I am young in the profession. Because chance served me three
or four times, I became foolishly proud. I have learned too late that
I am not all that I had thought myself; I am but an apprentice, and
success has turned my head; while you, M. Gevrol, you are the master of
all of us. Instead of laughing, pray help me, aid me with your
advice and your experience. Alone, I can do nothing, while with your
assistance----!"

Gevrol is vain in the highest degree.

Tabaret's submission tickled his pretensions as a detective immensely;
for in reality he thought the old man very clever. He was softened.

"I suppose," he said patronisingly, "you refer to the La Jonchere
affair?"

"Alas! yes, my dear M. Gevrol, I wished to work without you, and I have
got myself into a pretty mess."

Cunning old Tabaret kept his countenance as penitent as that of a
sacristan caught eating meat on a Friday; but he was inwardly laughing
and rejoicing all the while.

"Conceited fool!" he thought, "I will flatter you so much that you will
end by doing everything I want."

M. Gevrol rubbed his nose, put out his lower lip, and said, "Ah,--hem!"

He pretended to hesitate; but it was only because he enjoyed prolonging
the old amateur's discomfiture.

"Come," said he at