"And twist her neck?"
"No, defer that for a time. To-day, only prevent her from speaking to the tall man. He, seeing some one with her, will not approach; and if he does, do not leave her alone for a moment. He cannot make his proposal before you."
"If the man thinks me curious, I know what to do; he is neither the Schoolmaster nor Master Rodolph. I will follow the Chouette like her shadow, and the man shall not say a word that I do not overhear. He will then be off, and after that I will have one little turn with the Chouette. I must have it; it will be such a sweet drop for me."
"Not yet; the one-eyed hag does not know whether you are a thief or not?"
"No, not unless the Schoolmaster has talked of me to her, and told her that I did not do business in that line."
"If he have, you must appear to have altered your ideas on that subject."
"I?"
"Yes."
"Ten thousand thunders! M. Rodolph, what do you mean? Indeed—truly—I don't like it; it does not suit me to play such a farce as that."
"You shall only do what you please; but you will not find that I shall suggest any infamous plan to you. The tall man once driven away, you must try and talk over the Chouette. As she will be very savage at having missed the good haul she expected, you must try and smooth her down by telling her that you know of a capital bit of business which may be done, and that you are then waiting for your comrade, and that, if the Schoolmaster will join you, there is a lump of money to be made."