"And am I to leave this Chouan plot to go its own way under the Prefect's protection?" he said. "A pretty idea, that!"
"Ah! when once Monsieur le Général has peacefully secured his prize, then he can do as he thinks right about public affairs," said Simon, with a sneer.
"Then I can punish my enemies, hein?" said Ratoneau.
"You can indeed, monsieur. With my information, you might very probably ruin Monsieur le Préfet, besides causing the arrest of Monsieur de la Marinière, his nephew, Monsieur d'Ombré, and several other gentlemen whom I shall be able to point out. You could make a clean sweep of Chouannerie in Anjou, monsieur. It is very desirable. All I say is, make sure of your wife first."
Still Ratoneau walked up and down the room. With arms folded and head bent, he looked more le gros caporal than ever.
Presently he stopped short and turned to Simon.
"Get along with you, fellow, and hold your tongue," he said. "I will have nothing to do with your dirty tricks. I will settle the matter with Monsieur le Préfet."
"But me, monsieur? What will become of me?"
"What do I care! A snake in the grass, like you, can look after himself."
"But my other two thousand francs, Monsieur le Général?"