"I know that he died in 1869, but I made his acquaintance in 1874. I saw him then thrice, and he accepted some small gratuities of me."
"Monsieur tipped Jean Bouchon?"
"Yes, and Jean Bouchon accepted my tips."
"Tiens, and Jean Bouchon died five years before."
"Yes, and what I want to know is how you have rid yourselves of Jean Bouchon, for that you have cleared the place of him is evident, or he would have been pestering me this evening." The man looked disconcerted and irresolute.
"Hold," said I; "is Alphonse here?"
"No, monsieur, Alphonse has left two or three years ago. And monsieur saw Jean Bouchon in 1874. I was not then here. I have been here only six years."
"But you can in all probability inform me of the manner of getting quit of Jean."
"Monsieur! I am very busy this evening, there are so many gentlemen come in."
"I will give you five francs if you will tell me all—all—succinctly about Jean Bouchon."