Then, when he had fasted a whole day, he would once more take up his osier with a low growl and revile the wealthy who lived in idleness.

The trade of a basket-maker, when followed in such a manner, is a thankless one.
Antoine's work would not have sufficed to pay for his drinking bouts if he had not contrived a means of procuring his osier at low cost.

He never bought any at Plassans, but used to say that he went each month to purchase a stock at a neighbouring town, where he pretended it was sold cheaper.

The truth, however, was that he supplied himself from the osier-grounds of the Viorne on dark nights.

A rural policeman even caught him once in the very act, and Antoine underwent a few days' imprisonment in consequence.