Page:Memoirs of Vidocq, Volume 3.djvu/80

 potatoes, and devoured them as if I had not tasted food for a couple of days.

"You peg away," said he, "as if you would crash your ivories, (teeth;) one would think that you were tucking in at a regular spread."

"Oh, my lad, all that goes down the gullet fills the belly."

"Very true, very true."

Mouthful followed mouthful with prodigious rapidity, and I did nothing but peel and swallow: I cannot tell how it was that I was not literally crammed, but my stomach had never been more complaisant. At last my task was done, my comrade offered me a quid, and thus addressed me.

"On the word of a man, and as true as my name is Masson, and is the same as my father's, I have always considered you a hearty blade; I know you have been unfortunate, I have been told so, but the devil's hoof is not always at the poor man's door, and if you like I can put you on a good scent."

"That would not, perhaps, suit me, for my rigging is not over and above excellent."

"True! I see, I see, (looking at my clothes, which were rather tattered,) it seems that at this moment you are not the luckiest cove in the world."

"Very right: I have most urgent need of a new fit out."

"In that case come with me, I have a locksmith's daughter with which I shall clear out an apartment this evening."

"Tell me all about it, for I must learn the particulars before I can join you in it."

"What a flat you are, there is no occasion for you to be fly.." [sic]

"Oh! that is all true as gospel, and I am your man, only you can explain in two words ."

"Now, hold your gab, I tell you my plan is settled, and the booty sure: the fence's ken (receiver's house) is only a stone's throw off. As soon as prigged, so