“If I have put anything aside, it is not worth mentioning.”
“On the contrary, let us mention it. How much about have you saved?”
Bagnolet’s looks, and the tremor of his lips, showed the rage that was devouring him.
“I don’t know,” he said sharply.
The magistrate made a gesture of surprise which was admirable. He added,—
“What! You don’t know how much you have laid up? That is too improbable! When people save money, one cent after another, to provide for their old age, they know pretty well”—
“Well, then, take it for granted that I have saved nothing.”
“As you like it. Only it is my duty to show you the effect of your declaration. You tell me you have not laid up any money, don’t you? Now, what would you say, if, upon search being made, the police should find a certain sum of money on your person or elsewhere?”
“They won’t find any.”
“So much the better for you; for, after what you said, it would be a terrible charge.”