The Gros-Boiteux was accompanied into the prison by a man about thirty years of age, whose tanned and freckled face appeared less dissolute than that of the other prisoners, although he affected to appear as dogged as his companion. From time to time his features became overcast, and he smiled bitterly. The Gros-Boiteux soon found himself amongst his boon companions and acquaintances, and he could scarcely reply to the congratulations and kind words which came to him from all sides. "What, is it you, old boy? All right! Now we shall have some fun." "You haven't hurried yourself." "Still I have done all I could to see my friends again as soon as possible, and it was no fault of mine if the stone jug didn't claim me sooner." "Don't doubt you, old boy! And a man doesn't pick out a gaol as his favourite residence; but once trapped he does his best to be jolly." "And so we shall be, for Pique-Vinaigre is here." "Is he? What, one of the old customers of Melun? Why, that's capital! For he'll help us to pass the time with his stories, and his customers will not fail him, for there are more recruits coming in." "Who are they?" "Why, just now at the entrance, whilst I came in, I saw two fresh chaps brought in; one I didn't know, but the other, who wore a blue cotton cap and a gray blouse, I have seen before somewhere. He is a powerful-looking man, and I think I have met him at the Ogress's of the White Rabbit." "I say, Gros-Boiteux, don't you remember at Melun I bet you a wager that in less than a year you would be nabbed again?" "To be sure I do, and you've won. But what are you here for?" "Oh, I was caught on the prigging lay--_a la Americaine_." "Ah, always in the same line." "Yes, I continue in my usual small way. The rig is common, but there are always 'culls'; and but for the stupidity of a pal I should not be here. However, once caught twice warned; and when I begin again I will be more careful,--I have my plan." "Ah, here's Cardillac!" said the Boiteux, going to a little man wretchedly dressed, with ill-looking aspect, full of craft and malignity, and with features partaking of the wolf and fox. "Ah, old chap, how are you?" "Ah, old limper," replied the prisoner nicknamed Cardillac to the Gros-Boiteux; "they said every day, 'He's coming--he's not coming!' But you are like the pretty girls, you do as you like." "Yes, to be sure." "Well," replied Cardillac, "is it for something spicy that you are here now?" "Yes, my dear fellow, I had done one or two good things, but the last was a failure; it was an out-and-out-go, and may still be done. Unfortunately, Frank and I overshot the mark." And the Gros-Boiteux pointed to his companion, towards whom all eyes now turned. "Ah, so it is--it's Frank!" said Cardillac; "I didn't know him again because of his beard. What, Franky! Why, I thought you'd turned honest, and was, at least, mayor of your village."