"This story is by no means ingenious," said the doctor, shaking his head. "When you stand up in a court of justice you will see how the lawyers will make you eat your words. And very likely they will send you to prison." "Oh, no! Don't say that!" said poor Francois, much frightened. "What would become of my poor wife and child?" "You should have thought of them before this." "Oh, _Monsieur le Docteur_, you will save me from prison!" exclaimed poor, simple-minded Francois. "On one condition." "Name it, monsieur." "Let no one know that the boy has escaped." "I will not, if you desire it." "You see, it will be bad for me as well as for you. It was very important to keep him--very important, indeed--and his friends will call me to account. But they need not know it, if you remain silent." "No one shall hear me say a word, _Monsieur le Docteur_," said Francois, promptly. "That is well. In that case I will overlook your disobedience, and allow you to return to your place." "Oh, monsieur is too good!" said Francois, who did not by any means anticipate such magnanimous forgiveness. "When can you come back?" "When monsieur will." "Come, then, this evening. It will be in time. I will allow you to spend the day with your family, since your child is sick." The doctor turned his horse's head, and drove back to the asylum. Three days after he wrote to Major Grafton: "MY DEAR SIR: Your ward is rather sullen, but quiet. He was at first disposed to make trouble, but the firm and effective discipline of the institution has had the usual result. I allow him to amuse himself with reading, as this seems to be the best way of keeping him quiet and contented. His insanity is of a mild kind, but it is often precisely such cases that are most difficult to cure. You may rely, Monsieur Grafton, upon my taking the best care of the young gentleman, and, as you desired, I will especially guard against his obtaining writing materials, lest, by a misrepresentation of his condition, he might excite his friends. "I thank you for your promptness in forwarding my weekly payments. Write me at any time when you desire a detailed account of your ward's condition." M. Bourdon signed this letter, after reading it over to himself, with a complacent smile. He reflected that it did great credit to his ingenuity. "Some men would have revealed the truth," he said to himself, "and lost a fine income. I am wiser." In due time this letter reached Major Grafton.