"I have thy papers. One had to be sent out for a signature. Here is thy card of safety, and reapproved as that of a citizen who has denounced an ex-émigré. Also, behold a passport, and an order from the Committee of Safety to leave Paris on business of the republic. All are in the name of Citizen François, juggler."
"The citizen has been thoughtful."
"Sacré! I never do things by halves; I am thorough. And now, as to the paper?"
"It will be best for thee to come, at twelve to-day, to No. 33 bis Rue Perpignan. There I will take thee to my old room, or another, and make good my side of the bargain. After that, I have the agreeable hope never to meet thee again."
"I will be there at noon."
François's watchful ear detected a certain emphasis on the "I" of this phrase, which made him suspicious. He said quietly:
"Citizen, thou hast sold me my head. I shall give thee thine. Afterward I shall be in thy power."
"Yes, yes; that might be so with Amar or Couthon, but not with André Grégoire."
"Tiens!" said the thief, "what is this? 'André'? This order is signed 'Alphonse Grégoire.' The citizen must have been absent-minded. Look!"
Grégoire flushed. "True, true. I will write a second. I was troubled."