Channel steamer--with these and a little of the adroitness so
remarked in the celebrated Bucket, the affair is in the bag! (dans
le sac). All these things are in the cords (dans les cordes) of my
esteemed English fellow-brother; will he not employ them in the
interest of a devoted colleague and a friendly Administration? We
seek a malefactor of the worst species (un chenapan de la pire
espece). This funny fellow (drole) calls himself Count of Fosco,
and he resides in Wood Road 5, St. John's Forest; worth abode of a
miscreant fit for the Forest of Bondy! He is a man bald, stout,
fair, and paying well in countenance (il paie de mine), conceiving
himself to resemble the great Napoleon. At the first sight you
would say a philanthrope, a friend of man. On his right arm he
bears a small red mark, round, the brand of a society of the most
dangerous. Dear Sir, you will not miss him? When once he is in
our hands, faith of Lecoq, you shall tell us your news as to
whether France can be grateful. Of more words there is no need.--I
remain, all to you, with the assurance of my most distinguished
consideration,

LECOQ.


From Inspector Bucket to M. Lecoq.
May 22.


Dear Sir,--Your polite favour to hand, and contents noted. You are
a man of the world; I am a man of the world, and proud to deal with
you as between man and man. The little irregularity shall be no
consideration, all shall be squared, and the man wanted run in with