I placed the two hundred louis before him, with many apologies, in the name of the Company, for the inconvenience its followers had occasioned him.

I exchanged a friendly glance with Barjols and a polite nod with the Abbe de Rians who were present, and, with a profound bow to the assembled company, withdrew.

It was only a little thing, but it took me fifteen hours; hence the delay.
I thought it preferable to leaving a false conception of us in our wake.
Have I done well, my masters ?" The gathering burst into bravos.
"Only," said one of the participants, "I think you were somewhat imprudent to return the money yourself to citizen Jean Picot." "My dear colonel," replied the young man, "there's an Italian proverb which says: 'Who wills, goes; who does not will, sends.' I willed--I went." "And there's a jolly buck who, if you ever have the misfortune to fall into the hands of the Directory, will reward you by recognizing you; a recognition which means cutting off your head!" "Oh! I defy him to recognize me." "What can prevent it ?" "Oh! You seem to think that I play such pranks with my face uncovered?
Truly, my dear colonel, you mistake me for some one else.

It is well enough to lay aside my mask among friends; but among strangers--no, no! Are not these carnival times?
I don't see why I shouldn't disguise myself as Abellino or Karl Moor, when Messieurs Gohier, Sieyes, Roger Ducos, Moulin and Barras are masquerading as kings of France." "And you entered the city masked ?" "The city, the hotel, the dining-room.

It is true that if my face was covered, my belt was not, and, as you see, it is well garnished." The young man tossed aside his coat, displaying his belt, which was furnished with four pistols and a short hunting-knife.