Page:Memoirs of Vidocq, Volume 3.djvu/265

 sions we would fain intrust him with for our poor widows."

I pledged my word for the exact fulfilment of their desires; and when they had made known their wishes, I renewed the assurance of their being strictly performed.

. "I was quite sure that you would not refuse us."

. "Ah, M. Jules, how can we hope to repay your kindness?"

. "If what our ghostly friend here asserts be true, we shall meet in another and a better world."

. "I trust so; and sooner perhaps than we at present think for."

. "Ah, 'tis a journey that must be taken sooner or later. We are upon the eve of our departure."

. "M. Jules, is your watch correct?"

. "I believe it is too fast." (I drew it from my pocket.)

. "Let us see—twelve o'clock."

. "The hour for our execution; heavens! how the time gallops on!"

. "Look, the large hand is just about to overtake the small one! We shall never be weary of talking with you, M. Jules, but still we must part;—here, take these prattlers, we have no further need of them." (The prattlers were the books I have before described.)

. "And these two crucifixes, take them also; they will at least serve to remind you of us."

A noise of carriages was heard, the two culprits turned pale.

. "It is a wise plan to repent of our sins, but what if I determine to die game?—No; let me not turn bravado as many have done, but meet my fate with the courage of a man, and the resignation of a sinner."

. "Well said, my friend, let us be firm, yet contrite."

The executioner arrived at the moment for ascending the fatal cart, and the sufferers bade me adieu.