s our man changing his fine clothes for
coarser garments. He will ask for the difference in money; and they will
give it him. You told me this morning: 'May without a sou'--that's the
trump card in our game!"

"Nonsense! Before we begin to lament, let us wait and see what happens.
It is not likely that shopkeeper will give him any money. He won't buy
clothing of the first passer-by."

Father Absinthe withdrew to a little distance. He distrusted these
reasons, but not Lecoq who gave them.

In the mean while, in his secret soul, Lecoq was cursing himself.
Another blunder, thought he, another weapon left in the hands of the
enemy. How was it that he, who fancied himself so shrewd, had not
foreseen this emergency? Calmness of mind returned, however, a moment
afterward when he saw May emerge from the shop attired as when he
entered it. Luck had for once been in the young detective's favor.

May actually staggered when he stepped out on the pavement. His bitter
disappointment could be read in his countenance, which disclosed the
anguish of a drowning man who sees the frail plank which was his only
hope of salvation snatched from his grasp by the ruthless waves.

What could have taken place? This Lecoq must know without a moment's
delay. He gave a peculiar whistle, to warn his companion that he
momentarily abandoned the pursuit of him; and having received a similar
signal in response, he entered the shop. The owner was still standing
behind the counter. Lecoq wasted no time in parleying. He merely showed
his card to acquaint the man with his profession, and curtly asked:
"What did the fellow want who was just in here?"

The shopkeeper seemed embarrassed. "It's a long story," he stammered.

"Then tell it!" said Lecoq, surprised at the man's hesitation.

"Oh, it's very simple. About twelve days ago a man entered my shop with
a bundle under his arm. He claimed to be a countryman of mine."

"Are you an Alsatian?"

"Yes, sir. Well, I went with this man to the wine-shop at the corner,
where he ordered a bottle of good wine; and while we drank together, he
asked me if I would consent to keep the package he had with him until
one of his cousins came to claim it. To prevent any mistake, this cousin
was to say certain words--a countersign, as it were. I refused, shortly
and decidedly, for the very month before I had got into trouble and had
been charged with receiving stolen goods, all by obliging a person in
this way. Well,