The two rogues then asked for the bill, which they settled, gave the waiter a handsome fee, and hastened down-stairs.
As soon as they reached the bottom of the staircase, the one who had the pocket-book in his possession stopped short.
"I say, Patoche, a thought has just struck me. Go back, and tell the waiters, that we intend going to the Café Riche to continue our game. This will give us time to escape to some place of safety with our prize."
No sooner had Patoche departed up the stairs to execute his errand, than his companion vanished with the pocket-book.
Which of these two rogues was the most deceived?
The pocket-book was full of waste paper: the bank-notes had been cleverly abstracted by the pretended provincial.
This sketch will give some idea of the characters of the individuals whom I herein portray. If my readers wish for further information, they must continue the perusal of this work, and the different rogueries herein described, amongst which the nomad Greek plays some of the principal rôles; I think they will then have a clear view of the villany of these men.