and was busy pursuing it.  He had found that he could make all his friends merry, and he had succeeded.  He had made a selection from the most astounding wares that the Parisian tailor keeps on hand.  He had sneered at young Gaston de Gandelu, and called him an ape; but he had aped the ape.  He wore a very short, light coat, a waistcoat that was hideous from its cut and brilliancy, and trousers strapped tightly under his feet.  His collar was so tall and stiff, that he had the greatest difficulty in turning his head.  He had gone to a barber, and his lank hair had been artistically curled.  The table in front of him was covered with glasses and bottles.  Two shocking looking scamps of the true barrier bully type, with loose cravats and shiny-peaked caps, were seated by him, and were evidently his guests.  Tantaine’s first impulse was to catch the debauched youth by the ear, but he hesitated for an instant and reflection conquered the impulse.  With the utmost caution so that he might not attract Toto’s attention, he crept down to him, concealing himself as best he could behind one of the pillars that supported the gallery, and by this manoeuvre found himself so close to the lad that he could catch every word he said.

Chupin was talking volubly.

“Don’t you call me a swell, nor yet say that I brag,” said he.  “I shall always make this kind of appearance, for to work in the manner I propose, a man must pay some attention to dress.”

At this his companions roared with laughter.

“All right,” returned Toto.  “I’m precious sharp, though you may not think so, and shall go in for all kinds of elegant accomplishments, and come out a regular masher.”

“Wonders will never cease,” answered one of the men.  “When you go on your trip for action in the Bois among the toffs, will you take me with you?”

“Any one can go to the Bois who has money:  and just tell me who are those who make money.  Why, those who have plenty of cheek and a good sound business.  Well, I have learned my business from some real downy cards, who made it pay well.  Why should I not do the same?”

With a sickening feeling of terror, Tantaine saw that the lad was half drunk.  What could he be going to say? and how much did he know?  Toto’s guests evidently saw that he had taken too much; but as he seemed ready to let them into a secret, they paid great attention, and exchanged a look of intelligence.  The young rogue’s new clothes and his liberality all proved that he had found a means of gaining money; the only question was what the plan could be.  To induce him to talk they passed the bottle rapidly and flattered him up.  The younger man of the two shook his head with a smile.

“I don’t believe you have any business at all,” said he.

“Nor have I, if by business you mean some low handicraft.  It is brain work I mean, my boy; and that’s what I do.”

“I don’t doubt that a bit,” answered the elder guest coaxingly.