He had come to Bevron, some fifteen years before, with all his provisions in a cotton handkerchief slung over his shoulder.

He was willing to make money in any way, and he prospered and rose.

He owned fields, vineyards, and a cottage, which is at the juncture of the highway to Poitiers and the cross road that leads to Bevron.

His aim and object were to be seen everywhere, to know everybody, and to have a finger in every pie in the neighborhood around.
If any of the farmers or the laborers wanted small advances, they went to him, and he granted them loans at exorbitant rates of interest.

He gave most disputants counsel, and had every point of law at his fingers' ends.