They tell of how you foiled the police of the Empire; some praise you for it, but others regard you as enemies of the Emperor; partisans declare that Napoleon's clemency is inexplicable.

That, however, is nothing.

The real danger lies here; you foiled men who thought themselves cleverer than you; and low-bred men never forgive.
Sooner or later justice, which in your department emanates from your enemy, Senator Malin (who has his henchmen everywhere, even in the ministerial offices),--_his_ justice will rejoice to see you involved in some annoying scrape.

A peasant, for instance, will quarrel with you for riding over his field; your guns are in your hands, you are hot-tempered, and something happens.

In your position it is absolutely essential that you should not put yourselves in the wrong.