human
muttered the old man.
gpt
I think she's possessed of the devil.
human
She's possessed of dangerous knowledge, and I want to know where she got it. I want to know all about this girl, who she is, where she came from, everything. And that's where you can help me.
gpt
We know very little about her, and, the queer thing is, she seems to know very little about herself.
human
Perhaps she knows more than she wants to tell.
gpt
Perhaps, but--I don't think so. I believe she is perfectly honest. Anyhow, her cousin is a stupid fellow. He comes on from Brussels every five or six months and spends two nights with us--never more, never less. He eats his meals, attends to his commissions for wood carving, takes Alice out once in the afternoon or evening, gives my wife the money for her board, and that's all. For five years it's been the same--you know as much about him in one visit as you would in a hundred. There's nothing much to know; he's just a stupid wood carver.
human
You say he takes Alice out every time he comes? Is she fond of him?
gpt
Why--er--yes, I think so, but he upsets her. I've noticed she's nervous just before his visits, and sort of sad after them. My wife says the girl has her worst dreams then.
human
You don't mind if I smoke? And, without waiting for permission, he lighted one of his Egyptians and inhaled long breaths of the fragrant smoke.
gpt
Not a word, Bonneton! I want to think.
human
I have it! he exclaimed presently.
gpt
Tell me about this man François.
human
François? answered the sacristan in surprise.
gpt
Why, he helps me with the night work here.
human
Where does he live?
gpt
In a room near here.
human
Where does he eat?
gpt
He takes two meals with us.
human
Ah! Do you think he would like to make a hundred francs by doing nothing? Of course he would. And you would like to make five hundred?
gpt
Five hundred francs?
human
Don't be afraid, laughed the other.
gpt
I'm not planning to steal the treasure. When do you expect this wood carver again?
human
It's odd you should ask that, for my wife only told me this morning she's had a letter from him. We didn't expect him for six weeks yet, but it seems he'll be here next Wednesday. Something must have happened.
gpt
Next Wednesday, reflected Coquenil.
human
He always comes when he says he will?
gpt
Always. He's as regular as clockwork.
human
And he spends two nights with you?
gpt
Yes.
human
That will be Wednesday night and Thursday night of next week?
gpt
Yes.
human
Good! Now I'll show you how you're going to make this money. I want François to have a little vacation; he looks tired. I want him to go into the country on Tuesday and stay until Friday.
gpt
And his work? Who will do his work?
human
You?
gpt
I will take François's place. I'll be the best assistant you ever had and I shall enjoy Mother Bonneton's cooking.
human
You will take your meals with us? cried the sacristan aghast.
gpt
But they all know you.
human
None of them will know me; you won't know me yourself.
gpt
Ah, I see, nodded the old man wisely.
human
You will have a disguise. But my wife has sharp eyes.
gpt
If she knows me, or if the candle girl knows me, I'll give you a thousand francs instead of five hundred. Now, here is the money for François --he handed the sacristan a hundred-franc note--
human
At six o'clock, answered the sacristan doubtfully.
gpt
But what shall I say if anyone asks me about it?
human
Say François was sick, and you got your old friend Matthieu to replace him for a few days. I'm Matthieu!
gpt
You wouldn't get me into trouble, M. Paul?
human
Papa Bonneton, answered Coquenil earnestly,
gpt
That settles it, he murmured.
human
I never doubted you, but--my wife has an infernal tongue and----
gpt
She will never know anything about this, smiled the other,
human
A good idea!
gpt
Then it's understood. Tuesday, at six, your friend Matthieu will be here to replace François. Remember--Matthieu!
human
I'll remember.
gpt
Good night--or, rather, good morning, for the day is shining through that rose window. Pretty, isn't it? Ouf, I wonder when I'll get the sleep I need! He moved toward the door.
human
Oh, I forgot about the dog. Tignol will come for him Tuesday morning with a line from me. I shall want Caesar in the afternoon, but I'll bring him back at six.
gpt
All right, nodded the sacristan;