"Yes, seven hundred francs of mine."
"You know him? And has he seen you?" inquired the Skeleton.
"I have seen him, worse luck! But for him I should not be here."
These regrets sounded ill in the Skeleton's ears, and he fixed his malignant eyes steadfastly on Frank, who replied to several of his comrade's questions. Then stooping towards the Gros-Boiteux, he said, in a low voice:
"This is a fresh 'un who might tell the turnkey."
"No, I'll answer for his not informing against any one; yet still he has his scruples about going the whole hog, and he might aid Germain in defending himself. It would be best to get him out of the yard."
"I'll do it," said the Skeleton; and then aloud he said, "I say, Frank, won't you pitch into this thief of a lawyer?"
"Won't I, that's all!"
"Well, he's coming, and so look out."
"I'm ready, and he shall bear my marks!"