Government in his turn. What was to be done? And then they were spied

upon. This takes place between officials. The slightest word would be

maliciously interpreted, the slightest gesture would be laid to their

discredit. How should he keep on good terms at the same time this

Cabbage, which is called To-day, and that Goat, which is called

To-morrow? To ask too many questions would offend the General, to render

to many salutations would annoy the President. How could he be at the

same time very much a sub-prefect, and in some degree a lacquey? How

could he combine the appearance of obsequiousness, which would please

Changarnier, with the appearance of authority, which would please

Bonaparte?

The sub-prefect thought to get out of the difficulty by saying,

General, you are my prisoner," and by adding, with a smile, "Do me the

honor of breakfasting with me?" He addressed the same words to Charras.

The General refused curtly.

Charras looked at him fixedly, and did not answer him.

Doubts regarding the identity of the prisoners came to the mind of the

sub-prefect. He whispered to the Commissary "Are you quite sure?"

"Certainly," said the Commissary.

The sub-prefect decided to address himself to Charras, and dissatisfied

with the manner in which his advances had been received, asked him

somewhat sharply, "But, in short, who are you?"

624

The History of a Crime