"François?" answered the sacristan in surprise. "Why, he helps me with the night work here."
"Where does he live?"
"In a room near here."
"Where does he eat?"
"He takes two meals with us."
"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?"
"Five hundred francs?" exclaimed Bonneton, with a frightened look.
"Don't be afraid," laughed the other. "I'm not planning to steal the treasure. When do you expect this wood carver again?"
"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."
"Next Wednesday," reflected Coquenil. "He always comes when he says he will?"