Vietnam or Thailand ? Vote for the TOP Country of the Week !
Updated: June 11, 2025
He could not, he would not, believe it; and yet the recollection of Chupin's assurance troubled him. On the other hand, what could have become of Martial? The servant who had been sent to warn him had he met him? Was the marquis returning? And by which road? Could it be possible that he had fallen into the hands of the peasants?
Hence his approval, in the present instance, was so remarkable that it awakened Chupin's suspicions. "I shall make a few sous, probably," he modestly replied, "a trifle to aid my good mother in keeping the pot boiling." "So much the better, my boy," said M. Fortunat. "I like to see money gained by those who make a good use of it.
I shall go and arouse the commissary of police, and inform him of the affair; he will take the matter in hand: and we can then do whatever he commands. My responsibility will be over, in any case. So untie our prisoner's legs and bind Mother Chupin's hands, and we will drop them both at the station-house as we pass."
A sudden hope quickened the throbbings of Chupin's heart. He touched the valet's arm, and in his most persuasive tone remarked: "I've nothing to do, and as your wine was so good, I'll do your errands for you, if you'll pay me for the wear and tear of shoe-leather." Chupin's appearance must have inspired confidence, for the servant replied: "Well I don't refuse but we'll see."
About four o'clock his faithful valet de chambre returned, an expression of profound consternation visible upon his countenance. "What is it?" asked Martial, divining some great misfortune. "Ah, sir, the mistress of that wretched den is the widow of Chupin's son " Martial's face became as white as his linen.
In point of fact, Lecoq was not frightened, but he was intensely disappointed to find that Madame d'Arlange could not possibly be one of the women who had escaped from the Widow Chupin's hovel on the night of the murder. There was nothing about her appearance that corresponded in the least degree with the descriptions given by Papillon.
I don't know if I explain what I mean very clearly." This doubt was awakened in M. Fortunat's mind by Chupin's features, which were expressive of lively astonishment and discontent. "Excuse me, monsieur," he said, at last, "I do not understand at all." "It's very simple, however. The lady in question has a son about twenty. I know it I'm sure of it.
"Fortunately for me," he thought, "this proud and haughty lady has a son somewhere in the world. And she'll do for him what she would not consent to do for herself. Through her, with a little patience and Victor Chupin's aid, I shall succeed in discovering this boy. He must be an intelligent youth and we'll see if he surrenders his millions as easily as his mamma does."
Nor could any one indicate, even vaguely, the abode of the Widow Chupin's daughter-in-law. On the other hand, however, Lecoq met a number of his colleagues, who laughed and jeered at him unmercifully. "Ah! you are a shrewd fellow!" they said, "it seems that you have just made a wonderful discovery, and it's said you are going to be decorated with the Legion of Honor."
The butterfly had become a chrysalis again. Chupin's admiring smile must have repaid him for his trouble. Since the young clerk evinced approval, M. Fortunat felt sure that Vantrasson would take him for what he wished to appear a poor devil of an agent, who was acting on some other person's behalf. "Let us start at once," said he.
Word Of The Day
Others Looking