As he was crossing the courtyard, however, he fell in with Toto Chupin bringing in his daily report, which Beaumarchef thought would be what it usually was--a mere matter of form.

He was, however, much mistaken; for though outwardly Toto was the same, yet his ideas had taken an entirely new direction; and when Beaumarchef urged him to look sharp, the request was received with a great deal of sullenness.
"I ain't lost no time," said he, "and have fished up a thing or two fresh; but before saying a word--" He stopped, and seemed a little confused.
"Well, go on." "I want a fresh arrangement." Beaumarchef was staggered.
"Arrangement!" he echoed.
"Of course you can lump it if yer don't like it," said the boy.

"Do you think as how I'm going to work like a horse, and not get a wink of sleep, just for a 'thank ye, Chupin ?' No fear.

I'm worth a sight more nor that." Beaumarchef flew into a rage.
"Then you are not worth a pinch of salt," said he.
"All right, my cove." "And you are an ungrateful young villain to talk like this after all the kindness your master has shown you." Chupin gave a sarcastic laugh.
"Goodness!" cried he.

"To hear you go on, one would think that the boss had ruined himself for my sake." "He took you out of the streets, and has given you a room ever since." "A room, do you say?
I call it a dog kennel." "You have your breakfast and dinner every day regularly." "I know that, and half a bottle of wine at each meal, which has so much water in it that it cannot even stain the tablecloth." "You are an ungrateful young hound," exclaimed Beaumarchef, "and forget that, in addition to this, he has set you up in business as a hot chestnut seller." "Good old business! I am allowed to stand all day under the gateway, roasted on one side, and frozen on the other, and gain, perhaps twenty sous." "You know that in summer he has promised to set you up in the fried potato line." "Thank ye for nothing; I don't like the smell of grease." "What is it you want, then ?" "Nothing.