Hauchecorne, seated at the farther end of the table, replied:
"I'm here."
The chief proceeded:
"Master Hauchecorne, will you have the kindness to accompany me to the town hall? The mayor wishes to speak with you."
The countryman, surprised and disquieted, emptied at a draft his little glass of rum, arose, and, still more bent than in the morning, for the first movement after each relaxation was particularly difficult, he set out, repeating:
"I'm here, I'm here."
And he followed the chief.
The mayor was waiting for him, seated in his fauteuil. He was the notary of the vicinity, a big, solemn man, of pompous phrases.
"Master Hauchecorne," said he, "you were seen to pick up, on the Benzeville road, this morning, the wallet lost by Master Houlebrèque, of Manneville."
The peasant, astonished, looked at the mayor, frightened already, without knowing why, by this suspicion which had fallen on him.