Page:Memoirs of Vidocq, Volume 2.djvu/143

 welcome for him. Impetuous and violent as I was by nature, it was astonishing how much patient endurance I exercised; but it was all owing to Annette. Oh! how I prayed with fervent sincerity, that, in one of his frequent excursions, some friendly gendarme might, drive a bullet through Blondy's brain! I even trusted that it was an event that would soon occur; but every time that a more extended absence began to inspire me with the hope that I was at length freed from this wretch, he again appeared, and brought with him a renewal of all my cares.

One day I saw him come with Deluc and an ex-clerk, named St Germain, whom I had known at Rouen; where, like many others, he had barely the reputation of an honest man. St Germain, who had only known me as the merchant Blondel, was much astonished at the meeting; but two words from Blondy explained my whole history.—I was a thorough rogue. Confidence then replaced astonishment; and St Germain, who at first had frowned, joined in the mirth. Blondy told me, that they were going all three to set out for the environs of Senlis, and asked me for the loan of my wicker car, which I made use of when visiting the fairs. Glad to get rid of these fellows on such terms, I hastily wrote a note to the person who had charge of it. He gave them the conveyance and harness, and away they went; whilst for ten days I heard nothing of them, when St Germain re-appeared. He entered my house one morning with an alarmed look, and an appearance of much fatigue. "Well," said he, "my comrades have been seized."—"Seized!" cried I, with a joy which I could not repress; but assuming all my coolness, I asked for the details, with an affectation of being greatly concerned. St Germain told me, in few words, that Blondy and Deluc had only been apprehended because they travelled without credentials. I did not believe anything he said, and had no doubt but they had been engaged in some robbery; and what confirmed my suspicions was, that, on