are too apt to be frightened, and would
shrink back at the critical time. Besides, I have a conscience."

"And so have I," exclaimed Toto; "and it's grown like your own, old man;
it can be stretched for miles and folded up into nothing."

"Well, we may be able to do something," returned Tantaine, as, drawing
out a ragged check pocket-handkerchief, he wiped his glasses.

"Listen to me, my lad; I'll put what we call a supposititious case to
you. You hate those two fellows who have robbed you, for I suppose that
is what you meant; well, suppose you knew that they were at work all day
on a high scaffold like that one opposite to us, what would you do?"

Toto scratched his head, and remarked after a pause,--

"If that crack-jawed idea you talk of was true," answered he, "those gay
lads might as well make their wills, for I'd step up the scaffolding
at night and just saw the planks that they are in the habit of clapping
their toes on, half through, and when one of the mates stepped on it,
why, there would be a bit of a smash, eh, Daddy Tantaine?"

"Not so bad, not so bad for a lad of your years," said the old man with
an approving smile.

Toto's bosom swelled with pride.

"Besides," he continued, "I would arrange matters so well that not a
soul would think that I had done the trick."

"The more I hear you speak, Chupin," answered Tantaine, "the more I
believe you are the lad I want, and I am sure that we shall make heaps
of money together."

"I am cock sure of that too."

"You can use carpenters' tools, I think you once told me?"

"Yes."

"Well," continued Tantaine, "let me tell you then that I know an old
man with any amount of money, and there is a fellow whom he hates and
detests, a young chap who ran off with the girl he loved."

"The old bloke must have been jolly wild."

"Well, to tell the truth, he wasn't a bit pleased. Now it so happens
that this gay young dog spends ten hours a day at least on that very
scaffolding opposite to us. The old fellow, who has his head screwed on
the right way, had the very same idea as yours, but he is too old and
too stout to do the trick for himself; and, to cut the matter short, he
would give five thousand francs to the persons who would carry out his
idea. Just think, two thousand francs for a few cuts of a saw!"

The boy was violently agitated, but Tantaine pretended not to notice it.

"First, my lad," said he, "I must explain to you in what measure the
old gentl