“The desire to find work. I was tired of Paris. There was no work for engravers. I met a friend who told me the government wanted good workmen for the colonies.”
“What was your friend’s name?”
A slight blush passed over the man’s cheek’s, and he answered hastily,—
“I have forgotten his name.”
The magistrate seemed to redouble his attention, although he did not show it.
“That is very unfortunate for you,” he answered coldly. “Come, make an effort; try to remember.”
“I know I cannot; it is not worth the trouble.”
“Well; but no doubt you recollect the profession of the man who knew so well that government wanted men in Cochin China? What was it?”
The man, this time, turned crimson with rage, and cried out with extraordinary vehemence,—
“How do I know? Besides, what have I to do with my friend’s name and profession? I learned from him that they wanted workmen. I called at the navy department, they engaged me; and that is all.”