"A porter, probably, or a vagabond."

"That is to say, a man belonging to the lowest class of society:
consequently, a fellow without education."

"Certainly."

Lecoq spoke with his eyes fixed upon those of his companion. He
distrusted his own powers, as is usual with persons of real merit, but
he felt that if he could succeed in making his convictions penetrate his
comrade's obtuse mind, their exactitude would be virtually proved.

"And now," he continued, "what would you say if I showed you that this
young man had received an excellent, even refined, education?"

"I should reply that it was very extraordinary. I should reply that--but
what a fool I am! You have not proved it to me yet."

"But I can do so very easily. Do you remember the words that he uttered
as he fell?"

"Yes, I remember them perfectly. He said: 'It is the Prussians who are
coming.'"

"What do you suppose he meant by that?"

"What a question! I should suppose that he did not like the Prussians,
and that he supposed he was offering us a terrible insult."

Lecoq was waiting anxiously for this response. "Ah, well; Father