cock-and-bull story, that means nothing—it's true I had my own notions—I thought it was somebody—some intrigue or another,—and then he's off again like the cork from a bottle of champagne.'
"'But what should he have to do with this young Englishman?' returned the son. 'I'm satisfied he knew no such man,'
"'How can you tell that?' rejoined the mother?—you think you're in all his secrets—mais, je me'n doute bien.'
"'We shall see,' replied Rodolphe, for doubtless the youth, being taken, will confess every thing when brought to trial. He won't die with closed lips.'
"'Not he,' returned the old woman, 'why should he? He'll lose his recompense and his life—he'll have a good right to cry out.'
"'It appears to me,' said the son, 'that be the truth what it may, it is of the last importance that we should inform Monsieur Rodolphe of the capture of the young Englishman.'
"'By no means,' replied the old woman, emphatically, are you going to involve yourself in the business? Haven't you got the eyes of the police upon you already? Besides, where is he? Most likely not at home; and into whose hands might the letter fall? No,
