"Come, don't play with me, you rascal. What complaint have you to make?"
"Monsieur le Général may have had a slight difference to-day with Monsieur le Préfet, but they will be reconciled to-morrow. Why should I give myself away and put myself in their power for nothing?"
"You are a fool! What complaint have you to make against Monsieur le Préfet?"
"I am not a fool, monsieur. That is just it. Therefore, I will not tell you—not yet, at least."
"Then why did you come here? What did you suppose I wanted you for?"
"To do some work, for which I might possibly be paid."
"Is it a question of pay?"
"Partly, monsieur. I made some valuable discoveries a week or two ago, and they have turned out of no use whatever. Here am I still an ordinary police officer, my work not acknowledged in any way, by praise, pay, or promotion. I tried on my own account to verify my discoveries and to find out more. This day, this very morning, I am warned to let the whole thing alone, to say nothing, even to the commissary of police."
The General hesitated. He was grave and thoughtful enough now.
He took out five napoleons and pushed them across the table to Simon, who picked them up quickly and greedily.