Suddenly a drum rolled in the yard, in front of the house. In an
instant everybody was on his feet, save a few indifferent ones; and
they all ran to the door and windows with their mouths still full and
napkins in hand.

Having finished his long tattoo, the public crier shouted in a jerky
voice, making his pauses in the wrong places:--

"The people of Goderville, and all those present at the market are
informed that between--nine and ten o'clock this morning on the
Beuzeville--road, a black leather wallet was lost, containing five
hundred--francs, and business papers. The finder is requested to carry
it to--the mayor's at once, or to Master Fortuné Huelbrèque of
Manneville. A reward of twenty francs will be paid."

Then he went away. They heard once more in the distance the muffled
roll of the drum and the indistinct voice of the crier.

Then they began to talk about the incident, reckoning Master
Houlbrèque's chance of finding or not finding his wallet.

And the meal went on.

They were finishing their coffee when the corporal of gendarmes
appeared in the doorway.

He inquired:--

"Is Master Hauchecorne of Bréauté here?"