Sir, I have the honour to inform you, that I am on the track of the man with the earrings.

I heard of him at a wine shop, which he entered on Sunday morning, before going to Widow Lerouge's cottage.

He bought, and paid for two litres of wine; then, suddenly striking his forehead, he cried, "Old fool! to forget that to-morrow is the boat's fete day!" and immediately called for three more litres.

According to the almanac the boat must be called the Saint-Martin.

I have also learned that she was laden with grain.