Bertrand. It’s this way: I was born Bertrand, and then I took the name of Napoleon, and I mostly always call myself either Napoleon or Bertrand.
Brigadier. The truth is always best. Your profession?
Bertrand. I am an orphan.
Brigadier. What the devil! (To Macaire.) Is your friend an idiot?
Macaire. Pardon me, he is a poet.
Brigadier. Poetry is a great hindrance to the ends of justice. Well, take your papers.
Macaire. Then we may go?
SCENE IV
To these, Charles, who is seen on the gallery going to the door of Number Thirteen. Afterwards all the characters but the Notary and the Marquis.