Ah! my young rascals, you have deceived me for six years; you now know it has taken me but one hour to get even with you: I have seven-leagued boots." Just as old Monsieur Heron was preparing to leave with the signed papers, Gritte announced Colonel Bridau.

Madame Hochon left the room, taking her grandsons with her, that she might, as old Hochon said, confess them privately and find out what effect this scene had produced upon them.
Philippe and the old man stood in the embrasure of a window and spoke in low tones.
"I have been reflecting on the state of your affairs over there," said Monsieur Hochon pointing to the Rouget house.

"I have just had a talk with Monsieur Heron.

The security for the fifty thousand francs a year from the property in the Funds cannot be sold unless by the owner himself or some one with a power of attorney from him.

Now, since your arrival here, your uncle has not signed any such power before any notary; and, as he has not left Issoudun, he can't have signed one elsewhere.