"  The  moral  of  this  is,  that  there  is  a  vast  difference
between  theory  and  practice,"  he  remarked.  '  Here  is  a
man  who  has  made  the  most  discerning  believe  that  he  is
a  poor  devil,  a  low  buffoon  ;  so  much  as  he  prated  of  the
misfortunes  and  the  hazards  of  his  existence —  He  is
free ;  and  this  so-called  Bohemian  does  not  know  how
to  go  to  work  to  sell  the  clothing  that  he  wears  upon  his
back.  The  comedian  who  could  play  his  part  so  well
upon  the  stage,  disappears ;  the  man  remains — the  man
who  has  always  been  rich,  ami  who  knows  nothing  of  the
vicissitudes  of  life."

He  ceased  his  moralizing,  for  May  had  risen  from
his  seat.
Lecoq  was  only  ten  paces  from  him,  and  could  see  him
very  plainly.
The  wretched  man's  face  was  livid  ;  his  attitude  ex-
pressed the  most  profound  dejection  ;  one  could  read  his
indecision  in  his  eyes.
Perhaps  he  was  wondering  if  it  would  not  be  best
for  him  to  go  and  place  himself  again  in  the  hands  of  his


306  MONSIEUR    LECOQ

jailers,  since  the  resources  upon  which  he  had  depended
had  failed  him.
But,  after  a  little,  he  shook  off  the  torpor  that  had
overpowered  him  ;  his  eye  brightened,  and,  with  a  gest-
ure of  defiance,  he  descended  the  staircase,  crossed  the
open  square  and  entered  the  Rue  de  l'Ancienne-Com-
edie.
He  walked  on  now  with  a  brisk,  determined  step,  like
a  man  who  has  an  aim  in  view.
'  Who  knows  where  he  is  going  now  ?  "  murmured
Father  Absinthe,  as  he  trotted  along  by  Lecoq's  side.
