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OF CURIOSITY.
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creased his embarrassment, and he ran down the stairs which led on the one hand to the street, and on the other to an apartment where a police-officer was stationed. In his confusion he missed his way, and found himself in this apartment. The officer was struck by the appearance of the aged female figure, her singular costume, and the evident perplexity which she manifested. He suspected a disguised adventurer, went up to the pretended lady, and in a harsh tone inquired, "Madam, who are you?"

The Abbé was in such consternation that he was unable to utter a single word. "What!" cried the officer in a still more peremptory tone, "you will not answer me? No matter; we shall presently find means to open your mouth. Come along with me."

So saying, he seized the Abbé in no very gentle manner by the arm, and dragged him, in spite of his resistance, before the lieutenant of the police. To no purpose did the Abbé implore the officer not to ruin him, and in vain did he offer him his purse if he would let him go. These offers and entreaties only served to strengthen the man's suspicions.

His conductor, on reaching the magistrate's, delivered him into the care of other officers, and made his report to his superior of the circumstances under which he had taken the prisoner into custody.

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