In bidding him farewell I put a louis on the table, and though I did it with the utmost delicacy he ran after me and made me take it back.
“For once in a way,” I said to myself, “here’s an honest advocate.”
As I walked along I thought of putting a spy on Possano and finding out his abode, for I felt a strong desire to have him beaten to death; but where was I to find a spy in a town of which I knew nothing? M. Bono gave me the name of another advocate, and advised me to make haste.
“‘Tis in criminal matters,” said he, “and in such cases the first comer always has the advantage.”
I asked him to find me a trusty fellow to track out the rascally Possano, but the worthy man would not hear of it. He shewed me that it would be dishonourable to set a spy on the actions of Possano’s advocate. I knew it myself; but what man is there who has not yielded to the voice of vengeance, the most violent and least reasonable of all the passions.
I went to the second advocate, whom I found to be a man venerable not only in years but in wisdom. I told him all the circumstances of the affair, which he agreed to take up, saying he would present my plea in the course of the day.
“That’s just what I want you to do,” said I, “for his own advocate told me that his pleas would be presented the day after to-morrow.”
“That, sir,” said her “would not induce me to act with any greater promptness, as I could not consent to your abusing the confidence of my colleague.”
“But there is nothing dishonourable in making use of information which one has acquired by chance.”
“That may be a tenable position in some cases, but in the present instance the nature of the affair justifies prompt action. ‘Prior in tempore, Potior in jure’. Prudence bids us attack our enemy. Be so kind, if you please, to call here at three o’clock in the afternoon.”