Alphonse had meanwhile gone, at a word from me, and I was free to open my mind to Merton. He did not hesitate a moment. “Call him back,” he said, “and let me talk to him.”
Alphonse reappeared.
“I gave you three hundred francs,” said Merton.
“Yes, monsieur.”
“Where is it?”
“My mother has it.”
“Very good. Are you for the emperor?”
The man’s face changed. “M. le Capitaine knows that a man must live. I was of the police, but my father was shot in the coup d’état. I am a republican.”
“If so,” said Merton, “for what amount would you sell your republican body and soul?”