"Yes, certainly, sir. I allowed my valet to write my last; but
he had such immense success that the rogue asked so exorbitant
an increase of wages that, to my great regret, I was unable to
keep him."

The magistrate bit his lips. Then, after a moment's silence, he
said:

"Will you kindly tell me, sir, how I can assist you in this important
work?"

"You can direct my researches, sir. As you have compiled the
history of the department, none of the important event which have
occurred in its capital can be unknown to you."

"Truly, sir, I believe that in this respect I am tolerably well
informed."

"Then, sir, in the first place, your department was the centre
of the operations of the Company of Jehu."

"Sir, I have heard speak of the Companions of Jesus," replied
the magistrate with his jeering smile.

"The Jesuits, you mean? That is not what I am seeking, sir."

"Nor is it of them that I am speaking. I refer to the stage robbers
who infested the highroads from 1797 to 1800."