They told him that if he intended
to pursue the business he should remember one thing:
"Never do what you did this morning, that is slip down the ropes first,
particularly when there are three men to work on a plank, for," they
gravely explained, "the two coming down last would occupy seats close to
the ropes that net only act as a back brace when resting yourself, but
would also be a means of saving your life in case the plank broke; when
you could grab hold on the rope and the man in the middle would drop to
the stones below and be killed. Of course the two clinging to the rope
could be hoisted to the deck or be carefully lowered to the bottom."
At six o'clock Paul received a ticket for two more francs. To get it
cashed, he purchased a glass of wine for two sous and then started on
a run for his lodgings where he fully expected to find the Count dead.
He ran the blockade of the landlady's door without the formality of
taking off his shoes. Dashing into the room he exclaimed:
"Count! Count, where are you?"
"Here I am," exclaimed a faint voice from the bed.
"Well, I'm glad you are not dead, we dine at the widow's to-day. Look at
this."
The Count started up and gazed on the seventy-three cents Paul exhibited
with eager eyes, then looking reproachfully at him he said:
"Paul, I hope you have not taken to the highway.
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