"How do you propose to help betraying me then?" Bruslart asked.
"Now you are sensible. We must work together, is it not so? Paris is dangerous for you. You are a rich man and the place for you is across the frontier. A friend of mine, a good citizen, has for days been ready to travel at a moment's notice, and will take a servant with him. He has papers that cannot be questioned for himself and for you, his servant. He goes by way of Metz and then to Valenciennes. You will slip across the frontier into Belgium. You have heard of the inn, on that road, La Houlette. Once there you may throw away your cockade and become again a nobleman. It is your métier, my friend, you were never intended for a patriot. And now that you have money what better could you wish for?"
"It is an attractive programme, and I am a little tired of this cockloft," answered Bruslart. "How is it to be managed?"
"In an hour I will be back with all that is necessary to alter your dress and appearance. In two hours you may commence your journey."
"Very well, my good Legrand, I shall expect you in an hour."
"Yes, but the money," said the doctor. "I run a risk, and my friend must also be paid."
"Anything that is reasonable."
"Oh, it is reasonable."
"What is the figure?" Bruslart asked.
"I think I can arrange everything if you give me the fee I was to have had for the papers you expected me to bring this morning."