"But monsieur is insane."
"I am no more insane than you are. Do I look insane?"
"No; but one cannot always tell."
"I would give a hundred francs to any one who would get me out of this," said Ben, not, however, expecting to produce much impression on the mind of his auditor.
"A hundred francs!" repeated Francois, his eyes sparkling.
But in a moment he looked sober.
"It would not do. I should be discharged," he said.
"Think it over, Francois," said Ben.
The attendant did not answer, but the suggestion had borne fruit.