Alone, I can do nothing, while with your
assistance----!"
Gevrol is vain in the highest degree.
Tabaret's submission tickled his pretensions as a detective immensely;
for in reality he thought the old man very clever. He was softened.
"I suppose," he said patronisingly, "you refer to the La Jonchere
affair?"
"Alas! yes, my dear M. Gevrol, I wished to work without you, and I have
got myself into a pretty mess."
Cunning old Tabaret kept his countenance as penitent as that of a
sacristan caught eating meat on a Friday; but he was inwardly laughing
and rejoicing all the while.
"Conceited fool!" he thought, "I will flatter you so much that you will
end by doing everything I want."
M. Gevrol rubbed his nose, put out his lower lip, and said, "Ah,--hem!"
He pretended to hesitate; but it was only because he enjoyed prolonging
the old amateur's discomfiture.
"Come," said he at last, "cheer up, old Tirauclair. I'm a good fellow at
heart, and I'll give you a lift. That's kind, isn't it? But, to-day, I'm
too busy, I've an appointment to keep. Come to me to-morrow morning,
and we'll talk it over. But before we part I'll give you a light to find
your way with.
Pages:
510
511
512
513
514
515
516
517
518
519
520
521
522
523
524
525
526
527
528
529
530
531
532
533
534