"No, no! I have confided him to one of my accomplices, who, when I was apprehended, effected his escape." "What did he do with him?" "He brought him up, and gave him an education which fitted him to enter into a banking-house at Nantes, so that we might get information, manage an introduction to the banker, and so facilitate our plans. Although at Rochefort, and preparing for my escape, I arranged this plan and corresponded in cipher with my friend--" "Oh, _mon Dieu!_ his child! his son! This man appals me!" cried Rodolph, with horror, and hiding his head between his hands. "But it was only of forgery that we thought," exclaimed the scoundrel; "and when my son was informed what was expected of him, he was indignant, told all to his employer, and quitted Nantes. You will find in my pocketbook notes of all the steps taken to discover his traces. The last place we ascertained he had lived in was the Rue du Temple, where he was known under the name of François Germain; the exact address is also in my pocketbook. You see I do not wish to conceal anything,--I have told you everything I know. Now keep your promise. I only ask you to have me taken into custody for _this_ night's robbery." "And the cattle-merchant at Poissy?" "That affair can never be brought to light,--there are no proofs. I own it to _you_, in proof of the sincerity with which I am speaking, but before any other person I should deny all knowledge of the business." "You confess it, then, do you?" "I was destitute, without the smallest means of living,--the Chouette instigated me to do it; but now I sincerely repent ever having listened to her. I do, indeed. Ah! would you but generously save me from the hands of justice, I would promise you most solemnly to forsake all such evil practices for the future." "Be satisfied, your life shall be spared; neither will I deliver you into the hands of the law." "Do you, then, pardon me?" exclaimed the Schoolmaster, as though doubting what he heard. "Can it be? Can you be so generous as to forgive?"