During the day, I tried by incessant action to fatigue my body, that at night I might find forgetfulness in sleep.

Vain hope! since I found these letters, I have not slept an hour." From time to time, old Tabaret slyly consulted his watch.

"M.

Daburon will be in bed," thought he.
"At last one morning," continued Noel, "after a night of rage, I determined to end all uncertainty.

I was in that desperate state of mind, in which the gambler, after successive losses, stakes upon a card his last remaining coin.