“One of the most useful fences to the gang was Peter Mongendre, vine-dresser and apple merchant. “He bought the horses, oxen, cows, and sheep we stole. “At Chartres was one Doublet, who kept an inn and eating-house. “He had a relation in the Government offices, through whose aid he procured passports in difficult cases. “The gang had also its own ‘fences.’ “There was Mother Tiger at Baudreville, whose house, much resorted to by the bandits, was as full of mechanical contrivances as a theatre. “She possessed a cellar in which as many as fifteen brigands could be concealed if overtaken by the police. “Mother Renaudin, of Apreux, was a great favourite with the gang. “Her house was open at all hours, and she always gave the members a kind reception, whether they came with hands empty or full. “Out of gratitude the brigands nicknamed her Goody Apreux. “The inn itself had a most miserable, poverty-stricken appearance; but there was a well-furnished cellar, where the brigands regaled themselves jovially and in security. “Adjoining this was a well-stocked granary, which contained enormous quantities of linen and other articles deposited there by the gang. “There was also a strong box, employed as a savings’-bank, containing considerable sums in gold and silver, tied up in parcels, with the names of the owners written upon them. “So far, then, you see,” Death-wing continued, “all our arrangements were of the most perfect nature, and we always felt prepared for any enterprize that might present itself. “After being some time among this band of French and English I resolved to try my own luck, and make a big haul, and so leave the band. “I took no one into my confidence but Baptiste, the so-called surgeon. “‘Baptiste,’ said I, ‘you are a trusty fellow, and I have no doubt you are about as tired of these French and half English fellows as I am.’ “‘True,’ said the surgeon, ‘and if you would take my advice you would leave the band, for, although you have been working hard all the time, and are the cleverest among them all, they give you a smaller share of the plunder than any one else.’ “‘But it is no use of leaving the band,’ said I, ‘until I have got a considerable sum of money, for I want to return to England.’ “‘Well, that is right enough,’ said Baptiste, ‘and if you will be guided by me we will do a little business together, and then leave.’ “‘Agreed,’ said I,’but whom shall we rob? We must have a rich haul, wherever it comes from.’ “‘And so you shall,’ said Baptiste, ‘if you will only be guided by me.’ “I agreed to his proposal. “‘And now,’ said Baptiste, rubbing his hands in high glee, ‘I’ll tell you who it is I intend to rob; she is immensely wealthy.’ “‘Whom?’ “‘Why the rich young widow, Donna Evelina.’ “‘What! that beautiful young Italian lady?’ I said, in surprise. “‘Yes,’ he answered. “‘Oh, I couldn’t think of being so cruel,’ was my reply. “‘Nonsense,’ said Baptiste. “‘She is an angel.’