to engage Duroy to replace Marambot. Will you allow me to retain him
on the same terms?"

"Certainly."

Taking his friend's arm, the journalist drew him away, while M.
Walter returned to the game of ecarte he had been engaged in when
they entered. Forestier and Duroy returned to the room in which
Georges had found his friend. The latter said to his new reporter:

"You must come here every day at three o'clock, and I will tell you
what places to go to. First of all, I shall give you a letter of
introduction to the chief of the police, who will in turn introduce
you to one of his employees. You can arrange with him for all
important news, official and semiofficial. For details you can apply
to Saint-Potin, who is posted; you will see him to-morrow. Above
all, you must learn to make your way everywhere in spite of closed
doors. You will receive two hundred francs a months, two sous a line
for original matter, and two sous a line for articles you are
ordered to write on different subjects."

"What shall I do to-day?" asked Duroy.

"I have no work for you to-day; you can go if you wish to."

"And our--our article?"

"Oh, do not worry about it; I will correct the proofs. Do the rest
to-morrow and come here at three o'clock as you did to-day."