I was a fool." "Ah!" said Alphonse Giraud.

"We are all fools, _mon cher_, or knaves." And long afterwards, remembering the words, I recognised that truth often bubbles to the lips of irresponsible people.
I told him of my plans, which were simple enough, for I had called in the aid of men whose profession it was to deal with scoundrels.

It is only until we know vice that we think it complicated or interesting.
There is really no man so simple as your thorough scoundrel.

A picture all shade is less difficult to comprehend than one where light and shade are mingled.

I had only asked to be put on the track of Charles Miste, for evil men, like water, run in one channel and one direction only.