"I saw the man start and look uneasy when the ragged boy was
mentioned, and I instantly resolved to see him, and in the man's
presence.
"'Show him in,' I said to my little servant.
"The next instant in came your poor Joe, Cecile. Oh! how wild and
pitiful he looked.
"'You have not given him the purse,' he said, flying to my side,
'you have not given up the purse? Oh! not yet, not yet! Anton,' he
added, 'I have followed you all the way; I could not catch you up
before. Anton, I have changed my mind, I want you to give me the bit
of paper, and I will go back to my old life. My heart is broken. I
have seen my mother, and I will give her up. Anton, I must have the
bit of paper for Cecile. Cecile is dying for want of it. I will go
back to my old master and the dreadful life. I am quite ready. I am
quite ready at last'
"There was no doubt as to the truth of this boy's tale, no doubt as
to the reality of his agitation. Even had I been inclined to doubt
it, one look at the discomfited and savage face of the man would have
convinced me.
"'Tis a lie,' he managed to get out. 'Madame, that young rogue never
spoke a word of truth in his life. He is a runaway and a thief. Mine
is the true tale. Give me the purse, and let me take it to the little
girl.'
"'Whether this boy is a rogue or not,' I said, 'I shall listen to
his tale as well as yours.'
"Then I managed to quiet the poor boy, and when he was a little
calmer I got him to tell, even in the presence of his enemy, his most
bitter and painful history.
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