Harmless people did not usually ask questions of itinerant chestnut venders, and to open his mouth might be to injure Mascarin, Beaumarchef, or the guileless Tantaine.
This last thought determined the lad.
"Keep your ten sous, my pippin," said the boy; "I'll tell you what you want to know all gratis and for nothing, because I've taken a real fancy to the cut of your mug.

The tall chap was Mascarin, the fat un Doctor Hortebise, and t'other--stop, let me think it out in my knowledge box; ah! I have it, he was Verminet." Andre was so delighted that, drawing from his pocket a five-franc piece, he tossed it to the boy.
"Thanks, my noble lord," said Chupin, and was about to add something more in a similar vein, when he glanced down the street.

His look changed in an instant, and he fixed his eyes upon the painter's face with a very strange expression.
"What is the matter, my lad ?" asked Andre, surprised at this sudden change.
"Nothing," answered Chupin; "nothing at all; only as you seem a decentish sort of chap, I should recommend you to keep your wits about you, and to look out for squalls." "Eh, what do you mean ?" "I mean--why--be careful, of course.

Hang me if I exactly know what I do mean.

It is just an idea that came to me all of a jump.