Page:Memoirs of Vidocq, Volume 2.djvu/234

 Le Tambour? Ah! my dear, do not mention them, I beg of you," she replied; "that rogue Vidocq has given them very great uneasiness; since one Joseph (Joseph Longueville, an old police inspector), whom they have twice met in the streets, told them that there would soon be a search in this quarter, they have been compelled to cut and run, to avoid being taken."

"What," cried I with a disappointed air, "are they no longer in Paris?"

"Oh, they are not very far distant," replied mother Noel; "they have not quitted the environs of the 'great village' (Paris); I dare say we shall soon see them, for I trust they will speedily pay me a visit. I think they will be delighted to find you here."

"Oh, I assure you," said I, "that they will not be more delighted at the meeting than myself; and if you can write to them, I am sure they would eagerly send for me to join them."

"If I knew where they were," replied mother Noel, "I would go myself and seek for them to please you; but I do not know their retreat, and the best thing for us to do is to be patient and await their arrival."

In my quality of a new comer, I excited all madame Noel's compassion and solicitude, and she attended to nothing but me. "Are you known to Vidocq, and his two bull-dogs Lévesque and Compère?" she enquired.

"Alas! yes," was my reply; "they have caught me twice."

"In that case then, be on your guard: Vidocq is often disguised; he assumes characters, costumes, and shapes, to get hold of unfortunates like yourself."

We conversed together for two hours, when madame Noel offered me a foot bath, which I accepted; and when it was prepared, I took off my shoes and stockings, on which she discovered my wounded feet, and said with a most commiserating tone and manner. "How I pity you; what you must suffer! Why did you not tell me of this at first, you deserve to be scolded for it." And whilst thus reproaching me, she