Here he perceived a beggar propped against a post and fast asleep; he awoke him, and proposed that they should exchange clothes.

As Jean-Louis' suit was new and the beggar's in rags, the latter thought at first it was a joke.
Soon perceiving, however, that the offer was made in all seriousness, he agreed to the exchange, and the two separated, each delighted with his bargain.

Jean-Louis approached one of the gates of the town, in order to be able to get out as soon as it was opened, and the beggar hastened off in another direction, in order to get away from the man who had let him have so good a bargain, before he had time to regret the exchange he had made.
But the night's adventures were far from being over.

The beggar was taken a prisoner, Jean-Louis' coat being recognised, and brought to the town hall, where the mistake was discovered.

The Genevois meantime got into a dark street, and lost his way.