The twist of the story was that Estrade was to become Bernadette’s and Dutour’s friend. He was to perform an invaluable service by listening in at future conversations between M. Jacomet and Bernadette and diligently recording the conversations word-for-word.
Pagkatapos nilang mag-usap ng dalaga, kinausap ni Dutour ang dalawang lokal na opisyal – si M. Jacomet, ang hepe ng pulisya, at si M. Estrade. Di kalaunan naging kaibigan si Estrade nina Bernadette at Dutour. Nakinig si Estrade sa mga pag-uusap nina Jacomet at Bernadette at masusi niya itong ini-rekord.