was. The vintner was a good fellow enough,[1] but the police is always in such ill odour, that it is no easy matter to procure the assistance of honest men. I determined to bring him over to my side, by making it much to his interest to do so. I had visited his house several times in my double disguise, and had leisure to make myself acquainted with all the localities, and to become acquainted with the sort of visitors who came there. I then went in my usual dress, and accosting the man, told him I wished to speak with him in private. He took me into a small private room, when I thus addressed him:—
"I have to inform you, from the police, that a plan is formed to rob your house; the thief who has devised the means, and who probably intends perpetrating the robbery himself, lodges in your house; the female who lives with him comes sometimes behind your counter, sees your wife, and whilst conversing with her, has contrived to get the impression of the key which opens the door by which the proposed entry is to made. All is arranged; the alarum is to be cut with nippers whilst the door is a-jar; once inside, they will ascend quickly to your chamber; and if they have any suspicion that you are awake, as it is a perfect ruffian who concerts the project, there is no need for me to tell you what will ensue." "They will cut our throats," said the alarmed vintner, and then called his wife to communicate the intelligence.—"Oh, my love, what a world we live in—trust nobody! That madame Hazard who seemed too good to have a sin to confess—would you believe it—actually contemplates the cutting of our throats! This very night they will come and settle the business."—"No, no, be quiet," I replied, "not this night; the till is not full enough, they wait until the fitting time; but if you are discreet and will second me, we will defeat them."
- ↑ He now lives at Rue Neuve-de-Seine. It was at his door that "La belle Écaillère" was assassinated.
