The semblance of a trial followed; he was condemned
and transported to Cayenne. After incredible hardships and sufferings,
he escaped and returned to France. Famished and exhausted, he tramped
towards Paris, and had fallen in a faint on the road when he was
overtaken by Madame Francois, who took him the rest of the journey on
her cart. During his long absence his brother Quenu had at first been
taken in by Gradelle, a brother of his mother, to whose business of
pork-butcher he ultimately succeeded. Florent on his return from exile
was warmly received by his brother and Madame Quenu, who told him that
Gradelle, his uncle, had died, leaving a considerable sum, and that as
there was no will he was entitled to a half-share. He refused to accept
this, but agreed to live with the Quenus. This arrangement answered
well at first, but Madame Quenu got tired of seeing him always about the
house, and let him see that he must secure employment. After some time
he got an appointment as deputy inspector at the Fish Market. He was
introduced by Gavard to a small revolutionary circle which met nightly
in a cafe kept by M.
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