This Boulatruelle was a man in bad odour with the people of the neighbourhood; he was too respectful, too humble, prompt to doff his cap to everybody; he always trembled and smiled in the presence of the gendarmes, was probably in secret connection with robber-bands, said the gossips, and suspected of lying in wait in the hedge corners at nightfall. He had nothing in his favour except that he was a drunkard.
Boulatruelle was regarded unfavorably by those in his community due to his overly submissive demeanor. He was known for his excessive respect and humility, often bowing deeply and smiling nervously, particularly around authority figures like the gendarmes. This behavior led to suspicions among the locals, who whispered that he might be involved with criminal groups, lurking in the shadows at night.
Aside from his reputation, his only redeeming quality was his heavy drinking. Despite the negative perceptions and gossip about him, he continued to navigate his daily life in a way that contributed to his ill repute, raising more questions about his true nature and intentions.
