What was Monsieur Crapaud but a very ugly (and most people said a venomous) reptile?
To what a folly he had been condescending! With these thoughts, Monsieur the Viscount steeled himself against the glances of his topaz-eyed friend, and when the steps of the men were heard upon the stairs, he did not move from the window where he had placed himself, with his back to the stone.
The steps came nearer and nearer, Monsieur the Viscount began to whistle--the key was rattled in the lock, and Monsieur the Viscount heard a bit of bread fall, as the toad hastily descended to hide itself as usual in the corners.

In a moment his resolution was gone; another second, and it would be too late.

He dashed after the creature, picked it up, and when the men came in he was standing with his hands behind him, in which Monsieur Crapaud was quietly and safely seated.
The room was swept, and Antoine was preparing to go, when the other, who had been eyeing the prisoner suspiciously, stopped and said with a sharp sneer, "Does the citizen always preserve that position ?" "Not he," said the gaoler, good-naturedly.

"He spends most of his time in bed, which saves his legs.

Come along, Francois." "I shall not come," said the other, obstinately.