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diff --git a/old/69149-h/69149-h.htm b/old/69149-h/69149-h.htm deleted file mode 100644 index f407bf5..0000000 --- a/old/69149-h/69149-h.htm +++ /dev/null @@ -1,12863 +0,0 @@ -<!DOCTYPE html - PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Strict//EN" - "http://www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-strict.dtd"> -<html xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" xml:lang="en" lang="en"> -<head> -<meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=US-ASCII" /> -<title>The woman of mystery, by Georges Ohnet</title> - <style type="text/css"> -/*<![CDATA[ XML blockout */ -<!-- - P { margin-top: .75em; - margin-bottom: .75em; - } - P.gutsumm { margin-left: 5%;} - P.poetry {margin-left: 3%; } - .GutSmall { font-size: 0.7em; } - H1, H2 { - text-align: center; - margin-top: 2em; - margin-bottom: 2em; - } - H3, H4, H5 { - text-align: center; - margin-top: 1em; - margin-bottom: 1em; - } - BODY{margin-left: 10%; - margin-right: 10%; - } - table { border-collapse: collapse; } -table {margin-left:auto; margin-right:auto;} - td { vertical-align: top; border: 1px solid black;} - td p { margin: 0.2em; } - .blkquot {margin-left: 4em; margin-right: 4em;} /* block indent */ - - .smcap {font-variant: small-caps;} - - .pagenum {position: absolute; - left: 92%; - font-size: small; - text-align: right; - font-weight: normal; - color: gray; - } - img { border: none; } - img.dc { float: left; width: 50px; height: 50px; } - p.gutindent { margin-left: 2em; } - p.gutlist { margin-top: 0.1em; margin-bottom: 0.1em; margin-left: 2em; text-indent: -1em} - div.gapspace { height: 0.8em; } - div.gapline { height: 0.8em; width: 100%; border-top: 1px solid;} - div.gapmediumline { height: 0.3em; width: 40%; margin-left:30%; - border-top: 1px solid; } - div.gapmediumdoubleline { height: 0.3em; width: 40%; margin-left:30%; - border-top: 1px solid; border-bottom: 1px solid;} - div.gapshortdoubleline { height: 0.3em; width: 20%; - margin-left: 40%; border-top: 1px solid; - border-bottom: 1px solid; } - div.gapdoubleline { height: 0.3em; width: 50%; - margin-left: 25%; border-top: 1px solid; - border-bottom: 1px solid;} - div.gapshortline { height: 0.3em; width: 20%; margin-left:40%; - border-top: 1px solid; } - .citation {vertical-align: super; - font-size: .5em; - text-decoration: none;} - span.red { color: red; } - body {background-color: #ffffc0; } - img.floatleft { float: left; - margin-right: 1em; - margin-top: 0.5em; margin-bottom: 0.5em; } - img.floatright { float: right; - margin-left: 1em; margin-top: 0.5em; - margin-bottom: 0.5em; } - img.clearcenter {display: block; - margin-left: auto; - margin-right: auto; margin-top: 0.5em; - margin-bottom: 0.5em} - div.figure {display: inline;} - div.figurecaption { text-align: center; - font-weight: bold; - margin-top: 0.5em; - margin-bottom: 1em} - --> - /* XML end ]]>*/ - </style> -<link rel='coverpage' href='images/cover.jpg' /> -</head> -<body> -<pre> - -The Project Gutenberg eBook, The woman of mystery, by Georges Ohnet, -Translated by Fred Rothwell - - -This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere in the United States and -most other parts of the world at no cost and with almost no restrictions -whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or re-use it under the terms -of the Project Gutenberg License included with this eBook or online at -www.gutenberg.org. If you are not located in the United States, you -will have to check the laws of the country where you are located before -using this eBook. - - - -Title: The woman of mystery - - -Author: Georges Ohnet - - - -Release Date: October 13, 2022 [eBook #69149] - -Language: English - -Character set encoding: ISO-646-US (US-ASCII) - - -***START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE WOMAN OF MYSTERY*** -</pre> -<p>This etext was transcribed by Les Bowler</p> -<h1><span class="GutSmall">THE</span><br /> -WOMAN OF MYSTERY</h1> - -<div class="gapspace"> </div> -<p style="text-align: center"><span -class="GutSmall">BY</span></p> -<p style="text-align: center">GEORGES OHNET</p> -<p style="text-align: center"><span class="GutSmall">AUTHOR OF -“THE IRONMASTER,” “DOCTOR RAMEAU,” -ETC.</span></p> - -<div class="gapspace"> </div> -<p style="text-align: center">TRANSLATED BY FRED. ROTHWELL, -B.A.</p> -<p style="text-align: center"> -<a href="images/tp.jpg"> -<img alt= -"Publisher’s logo" -title= -"Publisher’s logo" - src="images/tp.jpg" /> -</a></p> -<p style="text-align: center"><span class="GutSmall">A NEW -EDITION</span></p> - -<div class="gapspace"> </div> -<p style="text-align: center">LONDON <br /> -CHATTO & WINDUS</p> -<p style="text-align: center"><span -class="GutSmall">1904</span></p> - -<div class="gapspace"> </div> -<p style="text-align: center"><a name="pageii"></a><span -class="pagenum">p. ii</span><span class="GutSmall">PRINTED -BY</span><br /> -<span class="GutSmall">WILLIAM CLOWES AND SONS, -LIMITED,</span><br /> -<span class="GutSmall">LONDON AND BECCLES.</span></p> -<h2><a name="pageiii"></a><span class="pagenum">p. -iii</span>CONTENTS</h2> -<table> -<tr> -<td></td> -<td><p style="text-align: right"><span -class="GutSmall">PAGE</span></p> -</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td><p>PART I</p> -</td> -<td><p style="text-align: right"><span class="indexpageno"><a -href="#page1">1</a></span></p> -</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td><p>PART II</p> -</td> -<td><p style="text-align: right"><span class="indexpageno"><a -href="#page135">135</a></span></p> -</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td><p>PART III</p> -</td> -<td><p style="text-align: right"><span class="indexpageno"><a -href="#page260">260</a></span></p> -</td> -</tr> -</table> -<h2><a name="page1"></a><span class="pagenum">p. 1</span>PART -I</h2> -<h3>CHAPTER I</h3> -<p><span class="smcap">In</span> his study, situated in the Rue -Saint-Dominique, the Minister of War was walking to and fro. In -furious fashion he twisted his moustache, which seemed even -redder than usual, as he nervously fingered his eyeglass, in a -manner which promised anything but a cordial welcome to any who -entered his presence. Doubtless, his officers were well -acquainted with the reasons of his ill-humour, for a profound -silence reigned all around, and the great man’s solitude -was undisturbed save by the querulous twitterings of the birds in -the garden. A minute later, he seemed to lose all patience, and, -marching to the mantelpiece, he pressed an electric bell. An -usher, with anxious mien, at once approached.</p> -<p>“Has Colonel Vallenot returned?” exclaimed the -Minister, in fierce tones.</p> -<p>The servant shrunk away, as though he would have liked the -earth to open and swallow him; then he stammered, -faintly—</p> -<p>“I do not think so, sir—I will -ask—”</p> -<p>The General became purple with rage. An oath burst<a -name="page2"></a><span class="pagenum">p. 2</span>forth from his -lips like a bombshell, then a second, the third was useless. The -door was again closed, the servant had vanished.</p> -<p>“What can Vallenot be doing all the time he has been -gone?” muttered the Minister, as he resumed his pacing -about the room. “Ah! This is the way I am -served!”</p> -<p>Before he could finish, the usher had opened the door, and -announced—</p> -<p>“Colonel Vallenot.”</p> -<p>A man of fifty years of age, tall and thin, with blue eyes and -light moustache, marched briskly into the room, and, after -saluting his superior in friendly wise, said—</p> -<p>“You seem to have lost all patience, General. I found an -officer waiting for me at the very door of the War Office. The -fact is, this has been anything but a small matter. After all, I -have done everything possible—”</p> -<p>“Indeed!” interrupted the Minister, impatiently. -“You have just come from Vanves?”</p> -<p>“Yes, General.”</p> -<p>“Alone?”</p> -<p>“No; I took with me one of our cleverest detectives. You -had not given me this authorization, but I took upon myself the -responsibility.”</p> -<p>“You have done quite right. But are you sure he is -trustworthy?”</p> -<p>“Absolutely. He is a former sub-officer. Besides, I did -not reveal to him the real object of my researches; he knows -nothing important, and imagines he has simply been my auxiliary -in an inquiry into the causes of a catastrophe hitherto -ill-explained. We have nothing to fear in this -direction.”</p> -<p>“Well, what has been the result of your -researches?”</p> -<p>“If you will allow me, General, we will divide the -inquiry into two parts, one consisting of moral circumstances, -the <a name="page3"></a><span class="pagenum">p. 3</span>other of -material facts. The affair is more complicated than you at first -thought, and when I have finished, your embarrassment, instead of -having lessened, will probably have increased.”</p> -<p>“Impossible!”</p> -<p>He sat down before the desk, leaned over on his elbows, and, -motioning to the Colonel to take a seat in an armchair by his -side, said—</p> -<p>“Now, tell me everything.”</p> -<p>“The house tenanted by General de Trémont is -situated above the village of Vanves, near the fort. It was the -night-watch which gave the alarm, and the garrison which -organized first aid when the fire broke out. Nothing worth -mentioning remains of the building. The explosion of the -combustible matter contained in the laboratory has disorganized -the very foundations, and the effect has been formidable. Stones -hurled into the air have been found more than a mile distant, and -the surrounding gardens belonging to the peasants are covered -with <i>débris</i>. Had there been houses in the -neighbourhood, the loss to property would have been -enormous—”</p> -<p>The Minister interrupted.</p> -<p>“The effects of melinite, probably?”</p> -<p>“No, General, something quite different! Increase a -hundred-fold the effects of the powder actually employed in -charging our bombshells, and then perhaps you will have the -equivalent of the destructive power revealed by the explosion of -General de Trémont’s laboratory.”</p> -<p>The Minister shook his head.</p> -<p>“Yes; that is what he told me the last time I saw him at -the Artillery meeting. He was on the trace of a discovery -destined to give to our cannons so crushing a superiority that we -were to become for long the arbiters of victory. The struggle -against us would have been marked by such <a -name="page4"></a><span class="pagenum">p. 4</span>massacres, -accomplished with such absolute precision, that our military -supremacy would have been certain once more. Has this had -anything to do with the discovery?”</p> -<p>“Then you admit, General, that malevolence may not have -been entirely foreign to this mishap!”</p> -<p>“I admit nothing, Vallenot. I suspect everything. When -you have told me all you know, we will talk it over. -Continue.”</p> -<p>“On reaching the spot, we found a body of troops, who -had been ordered by the Ministry to proceed there, guarding the -approaches of the property. There was already collected a crowd -of three or four hundred people, discussing the matter, without -counting a score of journalists, who made more noise than all the -others together. They were complaining that they were not allowed -to visit the spot <i>where</i> the explosion had taken place -among the still smoking ruins of the villa. But there was in -command a stern little lieutenant, who, in quite military -fashion, had maintained order. Probably the press will be against -us, but in the mean time we shall not have been interrupted; and -that is something to be thankful for. Inside, there was only the -secretary of the Prefecture of Police and the head of the -detective force. My agent and I had come at the right moment. The -researches were just beginning—”</p> -<p>“<i>Where</i>? In the house?”</p> -<p>“On the site of what had been the house, and which now -offered to the gaze nothing but a gaping hole, at the bottom of -which appeared a cellar, the vaults of which had been burst open. -A staved-in barrel of wine formed a red pool on the floor. Not a -trace of the staircase remained. The very steps had disappeared, -and the stones were broken up into fragments as large as -pigeons’ eggs. Never should I have thought such a crumbling -possible. Wonderful to relate, one side of a wall which must have -belonged to a <a name="page5"></a><span class="pagenum">p. -5</span>wash-house remained standing, along with a narrow window, -in the iron bars of which a cloth-rag was waving. We were all -staring at this solitary vestige of the disaster, when the chief -of the detective force cautiously approached the spot. Raising -his stick, he touched the shapeless rag hanging there, picked it -up from the ground with an exclamation of surprise, and exposed -it to our gaze. It was a human arm, still covered with both coat -and shirt sleeves, cut off at the elbow, and covered with blood, -the hand quite black.”</p> -<p>“Most extraordinary!” exclaimed the Minister.</p> -<p>“Rather sinister, General,” continued Colonel -Vallenot. “I have seen hundreds of men killed on the field -of battle, and thousands of wounded carried off in ambulances. At -Gravelotte, I saw the head of the captain of my squadron roll at -my feet, and the eyes wink repeatedly in the dust. It had been -carried off by the bursting of a shell. In Tonkin I have found -soldiers cut in four, their faces still grinning in spite of -their torture. But never have I been so impressed as I was by -this human arm, the sole remaining vestige of the drama we were -trying to understand. The Government agent was the first to -regain his <i>sang froid</i>, and he said, ‘Gentlemen, this -is an important piece of evidence. This arm has evidently been -hurled across these bars by the explosion. But to whom did it -belong? Is it one of the ill-fated General de -Trémont’s arms?’ ‘The General did not -live alone in the villa,’ observed the detective. -‘There was a cook and a man-servant. Let us at once -eliminate the supposition of the cook. This is a man’s arm; -accordingly, it belonged either to the General or to his valet. -Unless—’ There was a silence. The Government agent -turned towards him and said, ‘Well, finish. Unless it -belongs to the author of the catastrophe -himself.’”</p> -<p>“Ah!” said the Minister; “then he, too, -thought the affair might be the result of a crime.”</p> -<p><a name="page6"></a><span class="pagenum">p. -6</span>“Yes, General; and, as he spoke, he examined with -the most minute attention the smutty, blackened hand. Carefully -separating the fingers, he drew from the fourth finger a ring, -which none of us had noticed; and, holding it aloft in triumph, -said, ‘The question is decided, if this ring belongs to the -General. If not, we still doubtless possess a valuable piece of -circumstantial evidence, which will permit us to unravel the -mystery.’”</p> -<p>“A ring! The deuce! I never remember seeing -Trémont wearing a ring! No! I would take my oath on it. He -never wore an ornament of any kind in his life, much less a ring. -It would have been absurd in a man who was in the habit of -handling acids from morning to night! No metal would have -resisted the oxidising action of the substances he used in his -experiments. But what kind of a ring was it?”</p> -<p>“An engagement ring, General. When rubbed with a -glove-skin, the gold circle shone out, freed from the soot which -tarnished it. Our agent fingered it a moment, then pressed it -with his nail, and the ring separated in two. ‘Look here, -gentlemen!’ he exclaimed. ‘There are letters engraved -in the interior. Whatever happens, we now hold a -clue.’”</p> -<p>“This fellow has, indeed, proved himself very clever, -Vallenot,” said the Minister. “Up to the present, I -find that he is the only one who has shown any initiative. I must -remember it.”</p> -<p>“Wait a little, General. I have not yet reached the end. -The Government agent had taken up the engagement ring, and was -examining it. He finally placed it coolly in his pocket, with the -words, ‘We will look into this later on.’ And there -we all stood, rather discountenanced by the strange intervention -of the magistrate in leaving our curiosity thus disappointed. On -due reflection, perhaps he <a name="page7"></a><span -class="pagenum">p. 7</span>was right in postponing for a more -thorough examination the information destined to result from this -discovery, in not publishing proofs which might be of supreme -importance. Still, if he wished to keep the secret of his -investigations, he was disappointed, for at that very moment our -agent, pursuing his inquiries, had removed the double sleeve, and -laid bare the naked arm. This time it was no longer possible to -conceal what he had found. On the forearm, between the wrist and -the bleeding end, a blue tattooing appeared, representing a heart -surrounded with flames, around which could be read the words -‘Hans and Minna,’ and beneath the German word -‘Immer,’ signifying ‘Always.’ -‘Gentlemen,’ said the Government agent, fixing his -eyeglass, ‘I demand of you the utmost discretion. A single -word on what we have just discovered might have the most serious -consequences. We may be in presence of an anarchist plot, or be -obliged to suspect foreign interference. The affair is assuming -quite unexpected proportions. In all probability a crime has been -committed.’”</p> -<p>“The deuce!” exclaimed the Minister. “I say, -Vallenot, this is becoming serious! Perhaps we ought at once to -inform the President of the Board of—”</p> -<p>“The secretary of the Prefect of Police must have done -so already. As soon as he saw how matters were turning, he did -not wait for the end of the inquiry, but immediately rode off to -the Place Beauvau.”</p> -<p>“The first thing to do is to prevent the press from -saying anything silly. If we have a crow to pick with foreign -agents, for Trémont’s investigations were suspected -in Europe, it is of the highest importance that no suspicions be -aroused, so that we may try to seize the authors of this guilty -attempt.”</p> -<p>“That is what we thought, General, and, consequently, -all arrangements have at once been taken. It was absolutely <a -name="page8"></a><span class="pagenum">p. 8</span>necessary to -throw public opinion on a false scent. Accordingly, the theory of -a chance accident was inevitable. It was at once decided that all -communications made to the press should have this object in view. -General de Trémont was rather eccentric, we must say, -engaged in commercial chemical investigations, and it was his -imprudence which had brought about the accident which has now -cost him his life.”</p> -<p>“Poor Trémont! So fine a savant as he was! Well! -well! State reasons must predominate. But it is hard to -contribute in heaping calumnies on an old comrade!”</p> -<p>“Do not have such thoughts, General,” interrupted -Colonel Vallenot, with a smile. “There are surprises in -store for us which will, doubtless, lessen your -regret.”</p> -<p>“What do you mean?” said the rough soldier, -frowning. “You do not intend to utter calumnies against my -friend from childhood, my comrade in war?”</p> -<p>“God forbid, General! I shall simply give you the facts -on which you desired information. If I have the misfortune to -displease you, you will not be angry with me; you are too just -for that.”</p> -<p>“What is the meaning of this silence? Continue right to -the end, Colonel; speak freely.”</p> -<p>“So I intend to do, General. Well, then, the secretary -of the Prefect of Police had just undertaken to supply the -version arranged by us to the numerous reporters waiting there, -held in check by the line of troops, and to inform the Minister -of the Interior, in case the police might have to be called in, -when a great uproar arose from the direction of the village. A -tumult of cries and shouts was heard. The lieutenant was -preparing to go and see what was happening, when a man, breaking -through the sentinels, ran up to us, bare-headed, with troubled -countenance, and exclaiming, in tones of despair, ‘My -master! O God! <a name="page9"></a><span class="pagenum">p. -9</span>What has happened to the house? Not one stone left on -another!’ Thereupon he halted, sank down on the ruins, and -began to weep bitterly. We looked at him in silence, moved by his -grief, and foreseeing some speedy enlightenment on the dark -situation we were in. ‘Who are you, my friend?’ asked -the Government agent. The man raised his head, passed his hand -over his eyes to brush away his tears, and, raising up to us a -countenance at once intelligent and determined, said, ‘The -General’s head servant, sir, for the last twenty years. Ah! -If I had been there, this disaster might perhaps have been -avoided! At any rate, I would have died with -him!’”</p> -<p>“It was Baudoin!” exclaimed the General. -“The brave fellow had escaped! Ah! That is fortunate. We -shall learn something from him!”</p> -<p>“Yes, General, but not the enlightenment we expected. -Rather the contrary.”</p> -<p>“In what way the contrary?”</p> -<p>“I will explain. The night before, about six -o’clock, the General was in his garden, strolling about, -after working all day in the laboratory, when a telegram reached -him from Vanves. He read it, continued his walk for a few -minutes, with bowed head, as though in profound meditation, then -he called Baudoin. ‘You must set out for Paris,’ he -said to him. ‘I have an important order to give to my -chemist, who lives in the Place de la Sorbonne. Give him this -letter, then go to M. Baradier and pay him my respects. Then -dine, and, if you like to spend the evening at the theatre, you -may do so; here is a five franc piece. Return to-morrow morning -with the chemicals.’</p> -<p>“Baudoin, who knew what it all meant, understood that -the General wished him to leave the house for the whole night. He -was anything but pleased at this, because, he said, it was not -the first time that it had happened, and <a -name="page10"></a><span class="pagenum">p. 10</span>always under -the same circumstances: the arrival of a telegram, and the -dismissal immediately following.</p> -<p>“Still, the General did not give a holiday to the cook, -with whom he was less cautious, as she was in the habit of going -bed very early, which fact rendered any surveillance she might -have exercised almost null. So the General needed to be alone -from time to time. And he took care to send away the faithful -servant, on whom he might have relied for the most complete -discretion. What reason had he? This was what troubled Baudoin, -and displeased him. So little was he accustomed to conceal his -thoughts from his master that the latter noticed his sulky mood, -and said to him: ‘What is the matter? Don’t you want -me to send you to Paris? Are you to be pitied for the opportunity -of going and enjoying yourself?’ ‘I don’t care -about going to the theatre,’ Baudoin had said, ‘but I -do about performing my duty.’ ‘Very well, you are -doing your duty; you are obeying the order I have given you, to -fetch for me some chemical products, dangerous to handle, but -which I must have; besides, you are to call on my friend -Baradier. Now go. I do not want you before to-morrow -morning.’ ‘Very well, sir.’</p> -<p>“But Baudoin was anything but pleased, a secret anxiety -troubled him. Proceeding to the kitchen, he said to the cook, -‘Last time the General sent me to Paris, what happened -during the night? Did the General dine as usual? Did he shut -himself up in his study, or did he go into the garden? At what -time did he retire for the night? Did nothing happen out of the -ordinary?’</p> -<p>“The woman said she knew nothing, she had noticed -nothing unusual, and was very much astonished at his questions. -He saw she was a thousand leagues from suspecting anything, so he -did not press his questions. Still, although deeply respecting -his master’s wishes, his interest in his <a -name="page11"></a><span class="pagenum">p. 11</span>welfare made -him less strictly obedient, and he resolved to feign a departure, -then take up a post outside, so that he might see what took place -once the General was sure there was no inconvenient observer to -be dreaded. The weather was exceedingly mild. Not a breath of -air, and the gardens, filled with roses, shed forth exquisite -odours as night approached.</p> -<p>“Baudoin, after dressing himself, went to take leave of -his master, received from him a list of the chemical products to -be purchased, a few lines for his friend Baradier, and then took -his departure. He went straight to the station, dined in a small -restaurant close by, and, after nightfall, returned towards the -house of his master. He dared not enter the garden, as he was -afraid he would be noticed by the General, so he slipped into a -cottage garden, the owner of which was his friend, and concealed -himself in a small hut used for storing tools.</p> -<p>“From this spot he could keep an eye on the approaches -of the villa, and, along a thick hedge, come right up to the wall -adjoining the General’s property. He sat down, lit his -pipe, and waited. A few minutes before eight, the roll of a -carriage was heard on the road. Baudoin, in ambush behind the -hedge, was keeping a sharp look-out. By the light of the lantern -he saw a brougham, drawn by two horses, pass by. Something told -him that this carriage contained the persons the General was -expecting. He ran along, right to the wall of the villa, and -reached it the very moment the brougham came to a stop before the -door. But he was not the only one on the look-out, for scarcely -had the horses, still panting from the steep ascent, come to a -halt, than the lofty form of the General showed itself through -the darkness. At the same time, an impatient hand opened the -door, and a man’s voice said, in foreign accents, -‘Ah! General, so you have come to meet us?’ M. de -Trémont simply replied, <a name="page12"></a><span -class="pagenum">p. 12</span>‘Is the Baroness there?’ -‘Certainly,’ replied the voice of a woman. -‘Could you imagine otherwise?’ The man was the first -to descend. But the General gave him no time to help his -companion to descend; he sprang forward with the eagerness of a -lover, and, almost carrying off the lady in his arms, exclaimed, -with extraordinary ardour, ‘Come, madame, you have nothing -to fear—no one can see you.’ The man uttered a brutal -laugh, and said, in guttural tones, ‘Do not trouble about -me, I will follow you,’ and all three disappeared into the -garden. Baudoin, astonished, had only time to place on the wall a -ladder which happened to be there. As soon as he could look into -his master’s garden, the alleys were empty, but the large -window of the laboratory was shining through the darkness. The -faithful fellow said to himself, ‘What is to be done? Enter -the house? Play the spy on the General? Disobey his orders? For -what reason? Has he not the right to receive any one he pleases? -What am I thinking about? Is it likely that the people he -receives are objects of suspicion? Their carriage is waiting at -the door, a sign that they will not remain long, but will return -to Paris immediately. Here I am, troubling my head for nothing in -all probability! All I can do now is to obey my master.’ He -descended the ladder, proceeded along the hedge, left the garden, -and reached the railway. His master’s orders were now -literally followed, except that the drug store was closed when he -arrived there, and he was obliged to return the following -morning. When he reached Vanves, he found the approaches to the -General’s property occupied by a guard, the villa in ruins, -and his master vanished from the scene of the -catastrophe.”</p> -<p>Colonel Vallenot had finished. Profound silence, interrupted -only by the twittering of the birds in the neighbouring trees, -reigned in the Minister’s study. The old soldier, leaning -forward on his desk, his head resting on his hand, was <a -name="page13"></a><span class="pagenum">p. 13</span>buried in -reflection. After a short pause, he said, with a sigh—</p> -<p>“How surprising all this is! Doubtless here is the key -of the whole matter. These two unknown characters, one with a -foreign accent, coming mysteriously by night to see -Trémont, and their visit followed by such a frightful -cataclysm; what does it all mean? Is it an accident or a crime? -And, if a crime, what motive inspired it?”</p> -<p>Rising, he crossed to the window, with anxious mien, then -returned mechanically to his desk, resumed his seat, and, again -fixing his eyes on the Colonel, said—</p> -<p>“Well! Vallenot, what happened after this honest fellow -had finished his tale? What measures were taken?”</p> -<p>“A squad of soldiers from the fort had been sent for, -and the ruins were carefully searched, under the supervision of -the police. Nothing, however, was found. The destruction was too -complete. With the exception of the side of the wall still -standing, not a single piece of anything was left whole. Still, -after a couple of hours’ examination of the -<i>débris</i>, from which arose a very strong odour of -fulminate of mercury, the diggers brought to light an iron chest, -with broken hinges, the bottom of which was curiously pierced -with thousands of holes as though with an auger.”</p> -<p>“That is one result of the explosion,” interrupted -the Minister. “You are aware that we have in our shrapnels -similar cases of rupture. It is quite possible the initial -explosion took place in this chest. Has it been kept?”</p> -<p>“It was handed over to the Government agent.”</p> -<p>“We may need it again when we undertake an analysis of -the substances which occasioned the deflagration. Finish your -explanations. What became of the carriage stationed in front of -the door?”</p> -<p>“The carriage must have left before the accident. <a -name="page14"></a><span class="pagenum">p. 14</span>There was not -a trace of it on the road near the villa. The customs officers, -on being interrogated, declared that a brougham, driven by two -horses, returned to Paris about eleven o’clock. To the -question, ‘Have you anything to declare?’ a female -voice had replied, ‘Nothing.’ As for the explosion, -the guard at the fort reports that it took place about three -o’clock in the morning.”</p> -<p>“Then the man with the foreign accent had remained, -after the departure of the carriage?”</p> -<p>“Most probably.”</p> -<p>“You are not certain?”</p> -<p>“I did not wait for the end of the investigations; I -came away to inform you of what I had learnt, leaving behind me -our agent, with orders to return here at once, after the final -statement had been made.”</p> -<p>“Perhaps he is here now?”</p> -<p>Colonel Vallenot pressed the electric knob, and the usher -appeared.</p> -<p>“Has Laforêt returned?”</p> -<p>“Yes, Colonel, a minute ago.”</p> -<p>“Send him here.”</p> -<p>Closing the door with considerable precaution, the agent, with -firm step, a sonorous cough, and head raised in military fashion, -as he stood at attention, appeared before his principals.</p> -<p>The Minister examined for a moment the man’s frank, -martial face; then he asked briefly—</p> -<p>“Colonel Vallenot has reported all that had taken place -up to the time of his departure from Vanves. Complete his version -by telling us what you have learnt since. Take a seat, -Vallenot.”</p> -<p>“Monsieur le Ministre,” said the agent, “I -will come at once to the most important point: the body of -General de Trémont has been found.”</p> -<p><a name="page15"></a><span class="pagenum">p. -15</span>“In the ruins?”</p> -<p>“In the garden. At first no one thought of searching -beyond the house and the <i>débris</i>. It was whilst -exploring the bushes that the body of the General was discovered, -close to the entrance gate.”</p> -<p>“What! Had the explosion projected him so -far?”</p> -<p>The agent replied—</p> -<p>“The body had not been projected by the explosion. It -had remained on the very spot where it had been struck by a knife -under the left shoulder-blade. The General was dead when the -explosion took place, and certainly the explosion was caused by -the assassin.”</p> -<p>“The man with the foreign accent? The companion of the -lady the General called ‘Baroness’?”</p> -<p>The agent kept his countenance before these bold questions. -For a moment he appeared to be reflecting; then he -said—</p> -<p>“Yes, the one who has left his arm in the ruins of the -villa, and who in forcing open the chest escaped death only by a -miracle. The man named Hans, in short.”</p> -<p>“But what makes you say that he escaped death?” -asked the Minister.</p> -<p>“Because I found tracks in the garden continued outside -on the road he followed, leaving his blood behind at every step. -The man must be endowed with indomitable energy to have had the -strength to escape, mutilated as he was, to reach the fields, and -there, doubtless, find some market cart or other to pick him up -and carry him to Paris; but this is an additional inquiry to be -made, and a track to be followed up.”</p> -<p>“In your opinion, then, it is the man who came with the -woman who killed the General?”</p> -<p>“Yes, Monsieur le Ministre; most likely when the General -was conducting them back to the carriage. The <a -name="page16"></a><span class="pagenum">p. 16</span>murder took -place close to the gate. The sand is trodden down as though a -struggle had taken place, and the body had been carried off -behind the bushes. The traces of the trailing legs are quite -visible. The woman probably helped. At any rate, once the murder -accomplished, she must have left, whilst the man stayed behind. -He robbed the General of his keys, which never left him, and -which have not been found; in addition, he took his watch and -portfolio, so that it might be believed that a murder, the motive -of which was robbery, had been committed; then he entered the -villa, and worked in the laboratory. It was with the laboratory -that he had to do.”</p> -<p>“How do you know this?”</p> -<p>“From what Baudoin, his valet, said. It appears that, -one day, whilst placing things in order, in the cabinet of the -General, the latter entered on his way from the laboratory. He -took a few paces in the room, rubbing his hands together; then he -said almost to himself, ‘This time our fortune is made! -What will Hans say?’ For a week the General had been -working hard at an experiment, which had hitherto failed, and -from which he expected great results. On different occasions, -formerly, he had temporarily dismissed his valet, certainly with -the object of receiving his mysterious guests at -night.”</p> -<p>“Good; we will admit what you say regarding the -man,” said the Minister, captivated by the explanations of -his agent. “But, in your opinion, what shall we think of -the <i>rôle</i> played by the woman?”</p> -<p>“That is much more evident, Monsieur le Ministre; both -indications and proofs abound. The General de Trémont has -been the victim of a too tender disposition. I know nothing of -the General’s secrets or researches, though the journals -have on different occasions spoken of his investigations. He was -a member of the Academy of Science, and <a -name="page17"></a><span class="pagenum">p. 17</span>his -reputation as a savant was fully established. Suppose for a -moment that M. de Trémont had made a discovery of interest -to the future of European armies, and that some one Power wished -to obtain information as to the value of his -invention—obtain possession of it, perhaps. Do we not know -that women have been, only too often, the best political agents -employed in our country? In spite of his age, the General -remained very susceptible. A young woman, beautiful and -intelligent, is placed in his path. He meets her by chance, falls -in love with her. But the fair one is guarded; she is obliged to -take great precautions. A complaisant friend, relation, perhaps, -under the cover of science, facilitates the interviews by -accompanying the lady, so as to throw some imaginary rival off -the track. Whilst the old lover is paying his court, the -benevolent companion, observes, takes his measures, skilfully -questions, and obtains the confidence of the one to whom he is -rendering a service. Passion lulls all fear, and a sweet smile -and caressing eyes drive one to acts of folly. Then, one fine -night, the General de Trémont, who has, doubtless, -finished his discovery, is visited by the unknown couple. The -woman tries to obtain the secret. She does not succeed. Then the -man, as a last extremity, decides to strike. The General falls -under the dagger; his accomplice takes to flight. The assassin -returns with the keys, searches the laboratory, and tries to open -the chest containing the precious products. But the dreaded -powder, unskilfully handled, avenges its maker, and, in a -terrible explosion, annihilates at the same time both formula and -the one trying to steal it. This is how it is possible, Monsieur -le Ministre, to make a guess at the events now occupying our -attention. But—I do not wish to deceive myself—this -is only conjecture. There may be other versions, more certain, if -not more likely. What is an absolute fact is that General de -Trémont has been <a name="page18"></a><span -class="pagenum">p. 18</span>assassinated, that the murderer was -one of the two persons received that night at the villa, and that -the explosion following on the crime has been caused by the -imprudence of the man we may name Hans, who has been grievously -wounded.”</p> -<p>The Minister and Colonel Vallenot looked at one another for a -moment in silence. Then the Minister said to the agent—</p> -<p>“I thank you for your report, but do not trouble any -further in the matter, which is in the hands of the police. If we -have any additional investigations to make, I will send for you. -Now go, and do not say a word to any one on the -matter.”</p> -<p>Laforêt bowed, gave a military salute, and, with the -same tranquil precision, left the room. The two principals sat -there absorbed by what they had heard, going over once more all -the details of this drama, which was becoming materially so -clear, but remained morally so obscure. The precautions taken by -the two accomplices appeared so perfect, that it was doubtful -whether the truth could be learned concerning them. One hope -remained—the wounded man, with his arm cut off, might be -found, half-dead with exhaustion on the road. By questioning the -inhabitants of the neighbourhood, the man might be discovered; -doubtless the police were already on the track, and the most -adroit detectives as well.</p> -<p>“You know, Vallenot, Trémont was my senior. He -retired before the age limit, the more easily to devote his time -to scientific research; as he had serious money -difficulties.”</p> -<p>“And now,” said Colonel Vallenot, “we have -reached the point I wished to come to, when I said, at the -beginning of my report, that, after examining the material facts, -we should deal with the moral considerations of this affair. <a -name="page19"></a><span class="pagenum">p. 19</span>The -examination of facts is over. There has been the death of a man, -probably an attempt at robbery, and finally, the complete -destruction of an inhabited house. But under what conditions have -all these criminal acts been accomplished?”</p> -<p>“I understand what you mean. You see in this affair -something other than a criminal attempt. You suspect a plot of a -special order, something very delicate, fastidious, dangerous -even.”</p> -<p>“Yes, General, because in this case, we have not our -hands quite free in the search of the causes, hindered as we are -by diplomacy, by politics, and often even by such unexpected -complicities that we are first obliged to beat about the bush, -then to withdraw, and finally, give up all idea of proceeding -with rigour. Shall I enumerate the affairs in which we have come -to no certain issue for several years?”</p> -<p>“It is unnecessary, I am sufficiently well informed on -the situation, and have a tolerably good idea of what you possess -in the archives. How long have you been in the Ministry, -Vallenot?”</p> -<p>“Ten years, occupying different positions, with -intervals of service in the regiments. We have never ceased being -exploited by other nations, with a skill, an audacity, and a -perseverance, against which all our efforts have been in vain. -The most important captures have always been effected by women. -Accordingly, when the servant of General de Trémont spoke -of this nocturnal lady-visitor, my suspicions were immediately -aroused.”</p> -<p>“Explain yourself.”</p> -<p>“It is not the first time, General, that we have had to -deal with this mysterious woman, who comes and passes away, -leaving ruin and bloodshed in her train. Her manner of procedure -is always the same: she fixes her mind on <a -name="page20"></a><span class="pagenum">p. 20</span>some one whom -she knows to be in a position to give up to her some important -secret or other, then she seduces him, until, in the end, he -betrays it. Then, she casts him off, like useless -<i>débris</i>. A creature to be dreaded, if I may judge by -the results she has already obtained, and a powerful corruptress. -No heart is proof against her alluring temptations. She artfully -graduates the doses of her love-philtre; and the noblest minds, -the most upright consciences, and the staunchest courage bend and -capitulate at a sign from her. Do you remember the ill-fated -Commandant Cominges, who blew out his brains, without anything -being publicly known as to the reason? The woman had come along. -Cominges had become her slave. A part of our mobilization had -become known. Before killing himself, Cominges swore that the -documents had been stolen from his dwelling, whilst he was absent -with this woman. He had made the grave mistake of taking them -from the office to work on them, and the still graver one of -saying that they were in his possession. But the poor fellow had -confidence in her. He was a man of honour, a gallant soldier. A -pistol-shot settled the whole matter.”</p> -<p>“What was the woman’s name?”</p> -<p>“Madame Ferranti. She took most careful precautions in -seeing Cominges, presumably on account of her family. One of our -agents, however, was acquainted with her. Within six months he -died by an accident. He was, one evening, travelling by rail from -Auteuil. They found him dead under a tunnel. Doubtless he had -leaned out too far from the carriage.”</p> -<p>“The deuce!”</p> -<p>“The following year the young Captain Fontenailles, a -fine young fellow we were all fond of, was induced by a woman, -whom his comrades called the -‘Ténébreuse,’ because no one of them -ever saw her, to disclose certain confidences. <a -name="page21"></a><span class="pagenum">p. 21</span>Understanding -the gravity of his conduct, he went to his superior and confessed -everything. The latter succeeded in repairing the damage done by -changing the key to the secret writings. Captain Fontenailles -left for Tonkin, where he fell, fighting bravely, at the attack -of Bae-Ninh. His fault was atoned for.”</p> -<p>“And the woman is always the same?”</p> -<p>“According to all these gentlemen. The Ferranti of -Cominges was the Ténébreuse of Fontenailles. Then -there was the Madame Gibson of the Aerostat affair, without -speaking of several other cases only partially revealed. Always -the same Ténébreuse, with the same method of -procedure, corruption. In her train, ruin, tears, and -blood.”</p> -<p>“How long has she been engaged in this work of -intrigue?”</p> -<p>“Ten years, certainly, General; and under all these -impersonations we have not been able to lay our hands on her. She -is only known by her professional names.”</p> -<p>“What a deep-dyed scoundrel! We must try to cut short -her career.”</p> -<p>“Nothing more difficult. Once the <i>coup</i> -accomplished, she disappears, as does an eel, gliding about in -the mud, in which it remains hidden until the water again becomes -clear. She arranges in such a way as to cut off all -communications behind her; that is her method. For instance, in -this new affair, we shall have to struggle in the dark. Search -will be made for some time, but no clue will be found. The -accomplices, as well as the principal instigator of the crime, -will now have got to earth. By degrees the search will calm down, -and something else will be on the tapis. At any rate, it is in -this way that the majority of these cases end, -unless—”</p> -<p><a name="page22"></a><span class="pagenum">p. -22</span>“Unless? Ah! You still hope something may -happen?”</p> -<p>“Unless this time the wounded accomplice affords us a -trace. Let us merely hold one end of the conducting wire, and I -promise you, General, we will arrive at some result or other, if -only to avenge our poor comrades.”</p> -<p>“And to prevent the repetition of similar accidents. -For, after all, Vallenot, you will agree with me that it is -rather too much for foreign Powers to become acquainted with our -most secret affairs, as though they were matter of discussion on -the public thoroughfares.”</p> -<p>“We are as well acquainted with foreign affairs, -General, as they are with ours,” said the Colonel with less -sullen mien. “To sum up, there are always two at the game; -it has ever been so. Ay, the very time, in 1812, when Russia was -procuring information as to the efficiency of the Emperor’s -troops, Caulaincourt sent to Napoleon the engraved copper plates -of the map of Russia. I quote this fact of days gone by without -alluding to contemporary events. But, taking everything into -consideration, General, our secrets are scarcely secrets at all. -If, in war, reliance were placed on nothing beyond mysterious -preparations—”</p> -<p>“Then we should have to start by abolishing the -press,” muttered the Minister.</p> -<p>“And that is impossible!” said Vallenot. -“Still, in this special case before us, we must undertake -the task of clearing the moral atmosphere, and employ every means -possible, if we would succeed.”</p> -<p>“That concerns the legal authorities now.”</p> -<p>“Officially, General; but we also, on our side, may -investigate, in a quiet way, and I have no -doubt—”</p> -<p>“The lesson to be learned is that our officers are -becoming too gallant!”</p> -<p>“If you know any means, General,” said Vallenot, -with a laugh, “of suppressing that, please tell -me.”</p> -<p><a name="page23"></a><span class="pagenum">p. -23</span>“To think of this old General! Sixty years old, -too! True, he did not appear more than fifty! In what position -does he leave his daughter?”</p> -<p>“General de Trémont was a widower?”</p> -<p>“Yes, that is his excuse! But he has a daughter, still -at school. She is eighteen years old, and without dowry. Luckily, -Baradier is there.”</p> -<p>“You mean Baradier and Graff, the bankers?”</p> -<p>“Certainly. Baradier fought in the war of 1870; he is a -true patriot, and his son, Marcel, a fine young fellow, just out -of the Central School, has been working with General de -Trémont. Marcel Baradier was principally occupied in -investigating vegetable dyes, connected with the woollen weaving -manufactures his father owns in the Aube. But the General opened -his laboratory to him, and probably informed him of his own -investigations. We may learn a great deal from this young man, I -think.”</p> -<p>“Is the Baradier family in good -circumstances?”</p> -<p>“Very wealthy; their fortune daily increases from -industrial and from banking operations. It is Graff, -Baradier’s step-brother, who deals more specially with -finance, whilst Baradier manages the works. Both, however, are -busily employed all day long, and the millions roll in, -notwithstanding the rivalry of the firm of Lichtenbach, who is a -mortal enemy of Baradier and Graff.”</p> -<p>“Business rivalry?”</p> -<p>“More than that. Personal hatred, dating from long back, -and madly fomented. They say that Lichtenbach formerly wished to -marry Mademoiselle Graff, and that he has never been able to -swallow the insult Graff inflicted on him by refusing the -proposal and bestowing his sister’s hand on his friend -Baradier. Between these two families there is a whole series of -differences and grievances, which makes them implacable -enemies.”</p> -<p><a name="page24"></a><span class="pagenum">p. -24</span>“Still, General, you see no relation between this -hostility and the death of General de Trémont?”</p> -<p>“Not at all. Lichtenbach is a fervent Catholic, in close -touch with the Orleanist party, and, in my opinion, incapable of -a dishonourable action. Besides, what could it matter to him -whether Trémont lived or died?”</p> -<p>“Might not the General’s investigations have a -serious interest for the Lichtenbach firm?”</p> -<p>“Doubtless! But we are well aware that Trémont -has been specially occupied within the last few weeks with the -manufacture of a war powder, the formidable effects of which we -have seen in the Vanves explosion. True, the powder in question -might become a source of great profit by its possible application -to industry in modified proportions. In mines, for instance, or -the blasting of quarries, it would certainly have replaced -dynamite. There would have been a fortune in such an application -of the powder, and this Trémont was well aware of. Now it -is all vanished in smoke, and the General has taken his secret -with him.”</p> -<p>“Unless he had communicated it to the son of M. -Baradier.”</p> -<p>“Ah! that would indeed be strange!”</p> -<p>Three o’clock struck; the Minister arose, and took up -his hat, gloves, and stick.</p> -<p>“You are going, General?”</p> -<p>“Yes, I am going to speak to Baradier on the whole -matter. Madame Baradier was particularly interested in -Mademoiselle de Trémont. I intend to pay a visit of -condolence, in person, to this young lady. Her father and myself -were great friends, we made campaigns in Mexico and on the Loire -together, whilst, on the retreat from Mans, Trémont saved -all our lives, by an admirable battery arrangement in the rear of -the army, which cut short the pursuit of the Prussians. A fine -soldier! One <a name="page25"></a><span class="pagenum">p. -25</span>who deserved to fall on the field of battle! But Fate -decides such things. Everybody does not die the death he wishes! -Well, I will see you to-morrow, Vallenot. And if you hear of -anything fresh, ring me up on the telephone.”</p> -<p>The Colonel accompanied his principal right to the large -staircase, saluted, and returned to the office.</p> -<h3><a name="page26"></a><span class="pagenum">p. -26</span>CHAPTER II</h3> -<p><span class="smcap">In</span> an old hotel situated at the end -of a large courtyard, in the Rue de Provènce, has been -established, for more than fifty years, the banking firm of -Baradier and Graff. Following on the war of 1870, it was usual in -business to designate this establishment under the company name -of Alsace-Lorraine. They are ardent patriots, and never since the -annexation have they returned to Metz. Still, they have never -been willing to sell any of their land property in the lost -provinces. They have kept a foot on the soil torn from France, as -though they had no doubt they would return to it some day, like -masters after a long and sorrowful absence. Baradier is a man of -fifty-five years of age, stout and short, with ruddy, pleasant -face lit up by light blue eyes. Graff is tall and thin, -dark-complexioned, and of stern forbidding mien and glabrous -countenance, the complete opposite of his ally, both physically -and morally. For Baradier, with his engaging exterior, is an -influential and practical man; whilst Graff, with his cold and -reserved aspect, possesses the fancy and sensitiveness of a -poet.</p> -<p>In other respects, admirably equipped, the imagination of the -one moderated by the prudence of the other, and all rough points -in the determination of the former being mitigated by the -benevolent gentleness of the latter. In financial circles this -fortunate want of similarity of disposition was well known. Never -did a customer, after failing with <a name="page27"></a><span -class="pagenum">p. 27</span>Baradier, leave the house without -calling at Graff’s office to appeal for his intervention, -and obtaining a “just leave the matter to me, I will -arrange it all” preliminary balm on the sore of -displeasure, followed, in the majority of instances, by an -arrangement profitable to both parties. For, in the long run, the -two partners had reached such a point that they profited by the -differences in their dispositions, and Baradier pretended to be -altogether irreconcilable, well knowing that Graff would come in -afterwards, and have the pleasure of arranging everything to suit -all concerned.</p> -<p>Baradier, hearty and happy-looking, had two children, a son -aged twenty-six and a daughter of eighteen, both admirably -brought up by their mother. Graff, solemn and sentimental, had -remained a bachelor. As Marcel Baradier said jokingly, he would -be the best uncle in France in point of inheritance. In fact, -Madame Baradier’s brother loves the two children as though -they were his own, and every time Marcel commits some grave act -of folly he always appeals to Uncle Graff to settle things, as -his father is rather strict with him. Father and son, -unfortunately, have often been on anything but good terms, for -Marcel, reared in the lap of luxury, and early discovering the -mercantile value of his name, has not always given his family all -the satisfaction that might have been desired. “Nothing -important,” said Uncle Graff; “merely money -difficulties!”</p> -<p>It was so that the taciturn and modest banker, who would not -have spent a farthing outside of his daily expenses on anything -else than charity, called the debts which young Marcel -periodically gave him the opportunity of paying. When his nephew -comes for him at night, after dinner, before leaving for the -club, where he goes to indulge in a game of cards, Uncle Graff -knows at once his errand. He assumes his most gloomy aspect, -sinks into his armchair, <a name="page28"></a><span -class="pagenum">p. 28</span>casts a veiled glance at his rather -embarrassed heir, and, in sepulchral tones, demands—</p> -<p>“Well, what is it this time?”</p> -<p>Then, as Marcel develops his usual request—terribly bad -luck at the races, or at baccarat, or some love -difficulty—Graff looks at his sister’s son, and, -without listening to a word, says to himself, What a handsome -fellow! How could one with such a figure help getting into a -scrape? He is popular everywhere by reason of his graciousness -and amiability. He is only twenty-six, and is it not quite -natural that he should enjoy himself while he is young? Why do -Baradier and Graff engage in banking operations all day long, -anxious as to what is happening at the London and Berlin -Exchanges, as well as keeping an eye on the Bourse of Paris, if -not for this charming and agreeable young fellow to enjoy himself -whilst they are working? Well! Marcel, take your pleasure, and -take my share as well, for am I not your steward? Off to the -races in a fine turn-out, drawn by prancing horses, and take your -place in the most exclusive society; your means, those of the -firm of Baradier, will permit of all this. All the same, do not -squander too much in gambling; do not wager in too extravagant a -fashion, for this is an evil passion, and very harmful to those -who recklessly give themselves up to it. In all things else do as -you wish, and then come back and give your old uncle the pleasure -of asking a service of him.</p> -<p>All these reflections, however, crowding into his mind, and -giving him the most perfect satisfaction, Uncle Graff kept wisely -to himself. Aloud, he said, in that Lorraine accent he had never -succeeded in abandoning—</p> -<p>“How stupid you are, Marcel, to be swindled by a crowd -of adventurers! A member of the firm of Baradier and Graff ought -not to behave in this way. If your father knew he would be -furious. What reply can I give him <a name="page29"></a><span -class="pagenum">p. 29</span>when he accuses me of encouraging -your bad conduct? He is quite right, and I am wrong to give you -money when you make such bad use of it. I shall finish by cutting -off your allowance. Do you know how much you have received from -me since the beginning of the year?”</p> -<p>And as the old bachelor pretended to turn the leaves of his -cash-book, Marcel, terrified, exclaimed—</p> -<p>“Oh, Uncle Graff, it shall be the last time!”</p> -<p>“It is always the last time!” replied the old -uncle. “Well, tell me all about it.”</p> -<p>And Marcel would enflame the old bachelor’s tender soul -with his enthusiasm, and end by obtaining all he wanted.</p> -<p>Still, Uncle Graff had some excuse. Marcel did not neglect his -work. Admirably endowed by nature, the young man, as though they -were a mere pastime, had advanced considerably in his studies. He -had opposed the General de Trémont, who wished him to -enter the Polytechnic School, and afterwards the Artillery. He -had preferred the Central and the General’s chemical -laboratory. Under the supervision of his father’s friend, -he had made interesting researches into mineral colouring -matters, and given Baradier the pleasure of saying: “We -employ in our works dyeing processes, invented by my son, and -which are absolutely unique.”</p> -<p>It was one of Uncle Graff’s grand arguments when -defending Marcel—</p> -<p>“You know very well that your son is a remarkable man, -and that our manufactures owe much to him!” Whereupon -Baradier would reply, furiously—</p> -<p>“Ah! If only he would be serious! He has every quality -necessary, but he will not make use of his gifts. Our fine young -fellow will work a month a year, and spend the other eleven in -reckless folly!”</p> -<p>For all that, for some time past, Marcel seemed to have <a -name="page30"></a><span class="pagenum">p. 30</span>sobered down, -or, rather, his mind was occupied in investigations of more than -usual interest. He no longer appeared at the club, scarcely ever -went out at nights, and, but for the fact that he still went to -the races on Sundays, one might have imagined he had entirely -changed his life. Both Baradier and Graff were equally surprised -at this transformation; the father was pleased, the uncle uneasy -at it. They had spoken on the matter to the General, who had said -to them—</p> -<p>“He is an extraordinary young man; you will continually -have surprises with him, but do not be anxious, he will turn out -a fine man in the end. He has great gifts. Just now he is trying -to discover some process of colour photography. Surprising -results have already been obtained. Let him alone, do not hinder -him, and you will see!”</p> -<p>Graff’s triumph was a brilliant, Baradier’s a -quiet one. Marcel had not even noticed the effect caused on his -family. He had almost completely quitted Paris. For three weeks -he had been living at Troyes, at the Ars manufactory, shut up in -his laboratory, only returning to embrace his mother, and give -the General an account of the progress of his work. The old -chemist and the young inventor then spent delightful days in -verifying prescriptions and practising experiments. The one -communicated his calculations in the dosings of powders, the -other explained his superpositions of plates to obtain the -perfect stereotypes he sought. Then they would lunch together, -and the General, as warmhearted as the young man, would relate -his former escapades, and envy the youth, whilst admiring the -strength and intelligence of this fine young fellow before him, -who combined so perfectly the capacity for study and pleasure at -the same time.</p> -<p>In spite of the storms caused by Marcel’s caprices, life -for Baradier and Graff would have flown along pleasantly <a -name="page31"></a><span class="pagenum">p. 31</span>enough had -not destiny brought them in touch with Lichtenbach. Moses, the -chief of the firm, son of a Jew marine-store dealer of -Passy-sur-Moselle, had in past times been at school with Graff at -Metz. Old Graff, who was a brewer, had dealings with Lichtenbach, -“the rabbit-skin dealer,” as he called him jokingly, -and sold him all his broken glasses and used-up barrels. He -imagined him to be poor, and liked to give him the chance of -earning a little money. Moses Lichtenbach might have been seen in -the streets of Metz driving an old grey horse, harnessed to a -waggon, in which the marine-store dealer piled up all kinds of -goods and rubbish. He was a kind of wholesale rag-picker, who -helped house-wives to get rid of utensils which were no longer of -any use, and were becoming an encumbrance. He bought them cheap, -but not for nothing. Sometimes, almost ashamed of loading him -with corroded stove-pipes, broken shovels, worn-out carpets, and -even old straw, or shavings, they would say to him, “Take -it, Moses, for the trouble of carting it away.” He would -reply, “No! no! Everything has some value or other; I pay -little, but I<sub> </sub>pay.”</p> -<p>It was a point of honour with him to pay. Several people -shrugged their shoulders, with a smile, as they said to -themselves, “The old madman that he is! What use will he -make of all that rubbish?” They were in the wrong. -Everything had a value, as Moses affirmed, and this was proved -when, after the war, the old man left Metz, and settled in Paris, -in the rue de la Chaussee d’Antin, in a small shop, above -the door of which he had painted the sign: “Lichtenbach, -money-changer.” It was in this modest counter that the -Passy dealer, leaving Lorraine, which had become part of the -Empire, had commenced his new business, ceasing to buy and sell -old iron in order to buy and sell money. But one grave event had -happened, which had in <a name="page32"></a><span -class="pagenum">p. 32</span>no slight degree contributed to the -exodus of the Lichtenbach family from Passy to Paris, and to the -change of business.</p> -<p>The first cannon-shots of the war, fired at Forbach, had been, -for the majority of the inhabitants of Metz and its environs, the -signal for departure. The farmers and peasants strictly bound -down to the land were the only ones to remain in the villages. -All who were free of action had loaded the waggons with their -trunks, and reached the towns, to shelter themselves from the -enemy, whose approach was announced by defeats and disasters. The -highways in the direction of Thionville, Metz, and Verdun were -covered with carts and flocks. The majority of the fugitives made -their way towards the interior, making forced marches, to escape -the invasion, which, according to them, must, of necessity, halt, -crushed before the strongholds of the East. Contrary to the -general impulse, Moses, decided on leaving Passy, had not bent -his steps towards the centre of France. Instead of moving away -from the invader he had marched towards him, and leaving behind -in the shop everything cumbersome and worthless, had reached Metz -with six baggage waggons, carefully covered, and had settled in a -small street near the cathedral, with his wife and son, -Elias.</p> -<p>Moses had been well received. Through seeing him, along with -his waggon and old horse, all over the town, everybody knew him. -Some, more cunning than others, said, “Old Moses is a sly -fellow. If Metz is besieged he will buy the broken fragments of -German shells as old iron, and continue his business.” But -they were wrong. Old iron was not now the end of -Lichtenbach’s ambition. He had guessed that a stout siege -and an energetic defence would take place, that victuals would -soon become scarce for the town population, and that whoever had -the disposal, at a given time, of special food products, might, -by selling them at a high price, make a considerable profit.</p> -<p><a name="page33"></a><span class="pagenum">p. -33</span>Accordingly he had entered the town with his six -waggons, whilst in his cellar were carefully stored quantities of -brandy, coffee, sugar, ham, and a dozen barrels of salt. He had -spent a portion of the ready money he possessed in procuring -these stores, and had awaited results. Meanwhile, all the -Lorraine youth left. The male population which had not become -enrolled in the army, as being under age, undertook to resist the -invaders. The old martial blood boiled in French hearts, and the -young Graff, returned from the town hall, a cockade in his hat, -when he met on the square Elias Lichtenbach, walking about -smoking a pipe.</p> -<p>Scores of times, extending over long years, whilst old Moses -was stationed at Graff’s door loading old iron, or buying -the skins of goats or hares killed by the brewer the previous -Sunday, had the two boys played together. Antoine carried off -young Elias into the garden, and, between them, to the great -wrath of Madame Graff, they would climb the wall and steal the -fruit, still unripe. They often played at marbles, but in spite -of Elias’s utmost efforts, he could never succeed in -transferring his glass ones for Antoine’s agate ones. He -was the only boy in the town he had not succeeded in exploiting. -One day even Antoine proved himself the more cunning, and -succeeded in getting Elias to take an old broken sword in -exchange for six enormous marbles quite new. Moses was obliged to -confess, with a feeling of humiliation, that the young Graff had -proved himself more shrewd than the young Lichtenbach.</p> -<p>It must be stated that, on that occasion, Catherine Graff was -present, and, with the object of dazzling his friend’s -sister, Elias had shown unwonted generosity. This young girl had -even then the power of troubling the young boy.</p> -<p>As he saw his former companion pass by, proud of his patriotic -determination, Elias had taken the pipe from his mouth, and -said—</p> -<p><a name="page34"></a><span class="pagenum">p. -34</span>“Where are you going, Antoine?”</p> -<p>“To join the 27th line regiment at Chalons.”</p> -<p>“What! Have you enlisted?”</p> -<p>“Yes, like every one else of my age. Are not you going -to do the same?”</p> -<p>“I don’t know; my father has said nothing to me -about it.”</p> -<p>“Are you to wait for your father’s orders before -doing your duty?”</p> -<p>Elias scratched his head, whilst his whole face expressed -uncertainty and embarrassment.</p> -<p>“But he needs me for the business.”</p> -<p>“France also needs you, and more urgently than your -father.”</p> -<p>“I am only nineteen years old.”</p> -<p>“And I, not yet twenty.”</p> -<p>“Yes, you are right, I will go and speak to my father -about it.”</p> -<p>“If I do not see you again, good-bye.”</p> -<p>“Good-bye, and good luck.”</p> -<p>Elias, in greater trouble than he had ever been before, made -his way to his father’s shop, and found old Moses in the -cellar in the act of bottling brandy. The son was warmly received -by his father, and Lichtenbach, filling a goblet, held it out to -his son and heir.</p> -<p>“Taste this cognac, it is very palatable! In a short -time it will fetch twenty francs a litre; there will be only -ourselves who will drink it for nothing, my son!”</p> -<p>“You will drink of it, perhaps, father,” said -Elias, troubled. “But I—”</p> -<p>“What! You? What is the meaning of this?”</p> -<p>“Shall I be by your side when the cost of this good -liquor has mounted to that price?”</p> -<p>“Well! Where will you be?”</p> -<p><a name="page35"></a><span class="pagenum">p. -35</span>“Where all the youths of the village are—in -the army.”</p> -<p>“You in the army, Elias; what will you do -there?”</p> -<p>“Fight, like the others.”</p> -<p>Old Moses, by the light of the candle, which lit the cellar, -looked at his son in utter bewilderment. He could not believe his -own ears. Still he said—</p> -<p>“Fight? Why fight?”</p> -<p>“To defend the country.”</p> -<p>“What country?”</p> -<p>“France, where I have lived and been brought up, whose -language I speak, and where all our clients and friends -are.”</p> -<p>Old Lichtenbach shook his head, and remained a moment without -speaking. Then, in trenchant tones, he said—</p> -<p>“My son, we do business in this country, but we have not -been born here. I was in Switzerland, with your mother, in -Geneva, when you came into the world. My birthplace is Hanover, -your mother’s Baden. Your name appears on no official -register, and you are free to do what you like. We are German by -birth, French by habit and everyday relations; we belong no more -to one side than to the other. The best thing we can do is to -keep out of the quarrel. What could we gain by fighting? Blows -for you, pain and suffering for both of us. And how would it -benefit any one, if Elias Lichtenbach were killed in battle, and -old Moses were left to finish his life all alone? Does any one -even know why all these people are fighting? Do they even know -themselves? They have quarrelled, like tipplers on leaving the -grog-shop after having absorbed more than is good for them. And -now they fly at one another’s throats. What have the -Germans done to you to make you want to fight them? What -advantage will you gain from having defended the -French?”</p> -<p><a name="page36"></a><span class="pagenum">p. -36</span>“But all the young men are off, father. Antoine -Graff, whom I have just met, has received his papers.”</p> -<p>“He is a fool!”</p> -<p>“But the son of Rabbi Zacharias is also -going.”</p> -<p>“Great good may he get from it!”</p> -<p>“To-morrow there will only be left in the town the aged -and infirm. I shall be the only one remaining, and everybody will -laugh me to scorn.”</p> -<p>Old Moses sighed as he said, “Yes, you have your full -share of self-respect; you have been brought up in the schools of -France, in which a great deal is related on the subject of -honour. Listen, Elias, and remember all your life long, all this -teaching is sheer nonsense. Honour consists in paying what one -owes, and in meeting one’s bills when they fall due. -Outside of that, believe me, everything is false. Patriotic -legends have been invented to lead men to butchery and slaughter -to the strains of the ‘Marseillaise.’ They consist -merely of sounding words, with which mankind is deceived in the -interests of rulers and states. One ought not to let one’s -self be the dupe of such tricks and artifices. When it is all -over, none of the sly rascals who have persuaded the rest to -fight, and carefully kept out of the way themselves, will give -you even a single word of pity for your misfortunes. I have seen -the world, and I know life. Beware of enthusiasm, it is the most -false and dangerous thing on earth.”</p> -<p>There was a moment’s silence in the dark cellar, where -the countenances of the two men showed red in the flickering -flames of the candle. The dripping of the brandy, as it fell into -the tub beneath the barrel tap, was the only sound audible. The -dark, cold air which enveloped Elias began to calm the ardour, -with which he was burning a few minutes before. The old man -continued after a moment’s silence—</p> -<p><a name="page37"></a><span class="pagenum">p. -37</span>“Besides, I well understand that you do not care -to remain alone here when all your acquaintances are leaving the -town. You shall leave, too. But there are other things for you to -do than risk your skin, or try to endanger the lives of others. -Great profits may now be made in food supplies. In a short time -the whole of Alsace and Lorraine will be invaded. The armies will -have to live—the French armies, I mean, for the Germans, -who are the conquerors, will lack nothing. We must make it our -duty to collect provisions on the side of Chalons, towards Paris. -You are not yet of age, you owe nothing to any one; besides, the -services you may render are a thousand times more important than -those of these simpletons, who are intending to shoulder muskets. -I will prove my confidence in you by giving you the means to show -what you are worth. Come here; bring me the light.”</p> -<p>Moses went to one corner of the cellar. Removing a couple of -barrels, he took up a spade, and, digging a hole in the ground, -laid bare an iron-bound box. Raising it with considerable -difficulty, he took from his pocket a bunch of keys, opened the -lock, and showed his son the interior full of carefully arranged -rolls. Tearing away the paper envelope of one of these rolls, he -poured the contents into his son’s hands. They were -twenty-franc gold pieces.</p> -<p>“Here,” said Moses, “are forty thousand -francs in gold. You are strong enough to carry off the box. Early -to-morrow morning you will take the train for Troyes. Deposit -this money with Baradier, the banker, but do not accept either -bank-notes or drafts. Before long gold will be at a premium, and -you will benefit by the exchange. With the capital I now place at -your disposal buy sheep and cattle, and offer to supply the -management with beef and mutton. Owing to the disorder in which -the invasion will throw agriculture, cattle will be sold at a -loss of seventy-five per <a name="page38"></a><span -class="pagenum">p. 38</span>cent. In the embarrassment in which -the army will find itself for victuals, the contractors will sell -again at a profit of cent. per cent. Do you understand the -affair? Then act according to these data. If you do, by -contributing to feed the troops you will be of far more service -than marching in red trousers, under the orders of a stupid -corporal. You, too, will be defending your country. And do not -forget to betake yourself to the drug-store to-night to proclaim -it aloud.”</p> -<p>“But suppose some one asks me in what corps I am to -serve, what reply shall I give?”</p> -<p>“You will say, ‘I am going to Rhetel. It will be -settled there.’”</p> -<p>“Very well, father.”</p> -<p>“Take hold of one of the handles of the box, and help me -to mount it to the shop.”</p> -<p>“Leave it to me, father.”</p> -<p>Whereupon, seizing in both his arms the heavy box, filled with -gold, he raised it on his stout shoulder, and, preceded by Moses, -who held aloft his candle to light the staircase, he bore away -without flinching all his father’s fortune.</p> -<p>The double combination conceived by Lichtenbach succeeded, as -all simple ideas do. Within Metz, besieged and filled with -troops, stored provisions were not long in coming to a premium. -The salt Moses thought of selling at a moderate price gave him a -great surprise. It proved more valuable than sugar. The want of -salt caused keen suffering to the soldiers, who had become -disgusted with horseflesh. The brandy, largely adulterated, also -sold well. Still the old man’s profits did not recompense -him for lack of news of his heir. Elias’s last letter, -delivered on the evening of the Battle of Borny, announced the -young man’s arrival in Paris. He had left thirty thousand -francs in gold <a name="page39"></a><span class="pagenum">p. -39</span>with the firm of Baradier, at Troyes, and was preparing -to make for Orleans, as he did not consider himself in safety in -Paris, which would infallibly soon be blockaded.</p> -<p>He had introduced five thousand sheep into the town. But he -did not consider it necessary to continue business with the -Government, which was too economical and avaricious. After the -14th of August not a word did the old man receive. During those -long, sleepless nights, whilst listening to the cannon of Saint -Julien or of Plappeville thundering away at long intervals, the -old man reflected bitterly that his son was very young and -inexperienced, that he might be robbed, and that the sum he had -entrusted to him represented twenty years’ wanderings along -the roads of Lorraine, buying up all the old iron in the -province. Still, he had the consolation of thinking that Elias -was not taking part in the terrible and bloody battles, doleful -and desperate tidings of which came across the outposts right to -the besieged town. He saw his neighbours and clients pass along -with bowed heads, wondering uneasily, and asking one -another—</p> -<p>“What news? Have you heard anything of your son? Where -is he? If only all our boys are not dead!”</p> -<p>He at least could reply, “I do not know,” with -comparative assurance. But the others? Old Graff especially was -an object of pity. He seemed as though he would go mad. One -evening he had gone out bareheaded into the streets, when the -weather was icy cold, saying to all he met, “If Antoine -does not come back, I shall have been his murderer. Why did I -send him to the war; he was not even of age? He ought to be here -by my side. All this time they have been fighting around Paris. A -presentiment comes to me that my son is dead!” and he wept -bitterly. They were obliged to take him back home <a -name="page40"></a><span class="pagenum">p. 40</span>by force, -whilst little Catherine hid herself behind her mother’s -skirts. Moses congratulated himself for the prudent resolution he -had imposed on Elias, though he did his best to lament with the -rest on the dangers run by this brave and valiant band of youth -gone out in defence of their country.</p> -<p>One evening, on returning home<sub>y</sub> the inhabitants of -the district around the cathedral found ambulance carriages in -the streets and assistants carrying wounded men into private -houses. No more beds were to be had at the hospitals. All the -untenanted houses had been requisitioned, and now the military -authorities appealed to the patriotism of the inhabitants of Metz -for lodging the victims of the last sortie. A captain of light -infantry belonging to the Guards had just been carried to the -house of Moses, and Graff had taken in a captain of artillery, -named M. de Trémont. As he was bringing back his battery -from the hills of Servigny, the young officer had received a ball -in the thigh.</p> -<p>Anxiety for the health of his patient, the remedies he needed, -and other little attentions, caused a happy diversion to the -ever-present anxiety of Antoine’s father. As he saw this -handsome young officer, who had fought so heroically, and who -under such solicitous care, was about to recover his health under -his roof, Graff began to hope once more. He said to himself, -“If my own son is wounded, why should not he also be so -fortunate as Captain de Trémont? He has been brought a -long distance, with his wounded thigh, but he will be quite well -again in less than a couple of months. They do not all die who -are wounded in war. I feel sure Antoine will come back -now.” And his spirits returned with renewed hope. The -captain, well cared for by Graff and his wife, was soon able to -leave his bed, and after dinner, at night, he would relate to -them his campaigns <a name="page41"></a><span class="pagenum">p. -41</span>in Algeria and Mexico. He explained to his hosts the -reasons why France was coming off the worst in this disastrous -campaign, attributing all the advantages of the Germans to their -remarkable organizing capacity, and the perfection of their -artillery.</p> -<p>“You see, the whole future of war consists in war -material. We have to give way before breech-loading cannons, -which have, from the very first, given proof of a marked -superiority over our grooved arms. The moral effect on our troops -has been decisive. The first thing to be done after the war, will -be to investigate a new kind of cannon and explosives of a -terribly destructive power. The question of explosives will be of -capital importance. This ought to be the main end of our efforts -in the artillery.”</p> -<p>With remarkable clearness he explained all that modern -chemistry offered in cunning combinations, such as would -guarantee victory to that adversary which could most -scientifically assure massacre and death. So, in the evening -silence in that large town, besieged by the conquering enemy, the -conquered were already engaged in thinking of preparations for -revenge.</p> -<p>The siege came to an end, and all the brave soldiers who would -have defended Metz to the death were surrendered alive to the -enemy. The flags, a prey to famine, were carried off to form -trophies of victory in Germany. Paris fell in her turn, then the -final armies of France, driven back across the snow, stained with -blood, not so tired of death as exhausted with the fight, stopped -at the country’s call. And on that immense battlefield, two -hundred leagues square, the victors’ shout of triumph -mingled with the despairing cry of the vanquished. By degrees -news arrived, bringing sorrow to some and joy to others. Among -the brave young fellows who had gone forth to fight, so ardent -and proud, many never returned, <a name="page42"></a><span -class="pagenum">p. 42</span>whilst the numbers of prisoners and -wounded will never be known.</p> -<p>One morning, Graff, in the dining-room, was taking breakfast -with his family and Captain de Trémont, who was still a -convalescent in Metz, when the outside door was opened, a rapid -step was heard on the staircase, and father, mother, and little -Catherine, looked at one another with pale faces. Not a word was -uttered as they listened tremblingly to this quick, seemingly -joyful ascent. They had all been struck by the same thought; he -who comes hastening to us in this way, without asking any -questions, who enters as though he were master of the house, and -mounts the well-known steps four at a time, must be Antoine! -Before they had time to give expression to their thoughts the -door opened, and a tall, bearded young man, so thin and terrible -that they did not recognize him, but whose eyes were instantly -flooded with tears, appeared before them.</p> -<p>“Father! Catherine! Mother!”</p> -<p>They all rose to their feet, mad with joy, for they could not -mistake the voice, and the long-expected child for whom so many -tears had been shed, was taken in their arms and covered with -kisses, amid the cries and sobs, questions and exclamations, of -parents and servants, whilst the Captain looked on with a smile -at this family scene. Finally, Antoine escaped from their arms, -and his first words were the following—</p> -<p>“Good heavens! How hungry I am!”</p> -<p>As he spoke he cast hungry looks on the coffee and cake with -which the table was spread. In a trice he was seated there, and -served and fed so well, that he was obliged to beg them to -desist. Then explanations began, and long accounts of events, -interspersed with questions as to the fate of such and such a -one. He himself, after fighting at <a name="page43"></a><span -class="pagenum">p. 43</span>Sedan, had escaped by -Mézières, reached the North, where, with Faidherbe, -he had passed the whole campaign. He had not slept in a bed for -three months. But he had fought at Pont-Noyelles, Bapaume, and -Saint Quentin, and had been lucky enough to come out without a -scratch, with the grade of sergeant-major; disgusted all the -same, with the soldier’s profession for the rest of his -life. His father said to him—</p> -<p>“Well, it is all over now! You shall never begin again. -Our unhappy country is crushed. It will take a score of years to -bring things to their former condition. Ah, my poor Antoine, how -ill I have slept the last six months! I may say, with truth, I -have not had a single hour’s peace of mind since you left. -But here you are back again once more, and all is -forgotten.”</p> -<p>Then the incidents of the campaign would begin again. Captain -de Trémont questioned the young soldier on the details of -the campaign in the North, and Antoine could not dwell too long -on the valour of the calm and indefatigable Faidherbe, the -bravery of his companions, and the services rendered by -François Baradier, a volunteer like himself, the son of a -banker of Troyes, who had saved his life, snatching him away from -the hands of the Prussians of Manteufel on the evening of the -battle of Bapaume, within a farm which the shells had set on -fire, and where he was surrounded by a dozen of the enemy.</p> -<p>“He will come and see you—he promised me -so—and you will appreciate such a fine brave fellow as he -is.”</p> -<p>“Your rescuer? Certainly, he shall be welcome. But let -me look at you, my poor child. Who would have recognized you? You -look like a brigand! Had I met you in the street, I should have -been afraid!”</p> -<p>All day long the Graffs were visited by whole lines of -relations and friends, who had called to congratulate them, <a -name="page44"></a><span class="pagenum">p. 44</span>to admire the -returned soldier, and to listen to the hundredth account of the -episode of the Battle of Bapaume, whilst tumblers of beer and -glasses of kirsch-wasser were served, bringing to their height -the overwrought feelings of Graff, who was usually sober enough, -though, on this occasion, he had completely lost his -bearings.</p> -<p>The following morning fresh stirrings in the quarter. Elias -Lichtenbach made his appearance in a cab. He looked well and -hearty, and, after greeting his family, immediately entered into -conference with the German authorities. The rumour soon spread -that young Lichtenbach had been sent by the authorities of -Bordeaux, and had become a person of importance during the war. -In reality, his mission concerned the re-victualling of the army -on the frontiers of the East. The delegate to the war, who -appreciated the services rendered by Elias, his skill as an -intermediary, and his facility in avoiding difficulties, had sent -his agent to the enemy’s headquarters. He was now full of -self-importance, and proudly looked down upon his compatriots, -worn out by privation and hunger, though furious at defeat.</p> -<p>After the first few hours of astonishment full fling was given -to curiosity. Where had Elias come from, looking so strong and -well? Of all who had left at the same time as himself, he was the -only one who had returned looking better than when he left. All -the rest were pale and savage-looking. Inquiries were set afoot. -At the very first question the representatives of the authorities -replied, with circumspection, that M. Lichtenbach had rendered -eminent service to the country, and that the delegate for the war -considered him with the most benevolent esteem. What kind of -service? It was young Baradier who, on reaching Metz, on a visit -to Antoine and his family, began to throw light on the obscure -conduct of the boasting Elias.</p> -<p><a name="page45"></a><span class="pagenum">p. -45</span>Sergeant Baradier, ruddy of complexion, full of life and -vigour, was as firm in disposition as Antoine was gentle. His -open frankness pleased everybody, and amongst all these good -people he was immediately at his ease. Twenty-four hours had not -passed before he was on very good terms with Captain de -Trémont, and had grouped together all the volunteers of -Metz to a banquet to celebrate their return. Elias had had the -calm audacity to give in his name, like the rest, and had put in -an appearance at the Hotel de l’Ours, to take part in the -banquet. But his reception had been a cold one. All who were -present, though in civil dress, as the German authorities had -forbidden the uniform, knew in what regiments they had served, in -what battles they had been wounded. Elias alone lost himself in -vague explanations. He pretended to have been -everywhere—with the armies at Chanzy and Bourbaki, at the -camp of Conlie, and near Garibaldi. This gift of ubiquity -astonished everybody. Sergeant Baradier undertook to give an -explanation clearer than all those behind which Elias had -sheltered himself.</p> -<p>“Are you not the Lichtenbach who did business with the -firm of Baradier at Troyes?” he asked old Moses’ son, -point-blank. “Is it not you who bought sheep in the -Ardennes, and drove them through Belgium into France?”</p> -<p>“Yes, it is myself,” replied Elias, -cautiously.</p> -<p>“Well! No wonder you have been everywhere during the -war, since you were buying meat from every available spot, on -behalf of the management.”</p> -<p>As Elias became agitated and turned pale, Baradier -continued—</p> -<p>“Oh, I am not reproaching you, I am simply stating a -fact. These gentlemen just now did not appear to understand the -part you played. I am explaining it to them. M. Lichtenbach is a -patriot in a fashion. Instead of fighting <a -name="page46"></a><span class="pagenum">p. 46</span>he undertook -to feed the fighters. If not a glorious employment, it is, at -least a useful one.”</p> -<p>“But I risked my life like the rest,” exclaimed -Elias, red with anger. “Had the Germans caught me they -would have shot me!”</p> -<p>“It is most extraordinary that they allowed you to move -in and out so freely through their lines, for they did not -generally show themselves over confident. The good reception, -too, they gave you must have appeared very strange.”</p> -<p>“What do you mean!” exclaimed Elias.</p> -<p>“Simply what I say; nothing more,” replied -Baradier, coldly. “But if you wish me to explain, I merely -remark that remaining out of the reach of sabre cuts and musket -shots, whilst others are fighting, being warm and comfortable, -and deprived of nothing, whilst your companions are dying of cold -and hunger, seeing in the misfortunes of one’s country only -an opportunity of making a fortune, is not what one would call -the height of heroism.”</p> -<p>“You insult me!”</p> -<p>“I am ready to give you satisfaction.”</p> -<p>“Good! you shall hear from me.”</p> -<p>“Do not cry out so loud; I can easily be found. I am -staying with M. Graff, and am the son of M. Baradier, your banker -at Troyes. Now we will change the subject.”</p> -<p>Immediately Elias found himself alone. Everybody turned their -backs on him. Flinging on his adversary a look of hatred he left -the room. As he closed the door he heard Graff exclaim—</p> -<p>“Now that there are none but good patriots left let us -drink to the health of France!”</p> -<p>The following morning Baradier, accompanied by Captain de -Trémont and his friend Graff, waited for Lichtenbach to <a -name="page47"></a><span class="pagenum">p. 47</span>put in an -appearance. They waited in vain. The prudent Elias, having -avoided wounds during the war, seemed quite determined not to run -the risk of receiving any in times of peace. Still, as though by -chance, M. Baradier at Troyes, received in his house a supplement -of twenty Hessian hussars, to board and lodge, and old Graff was -summoned thrice in a single week to reply to denunciations -representing him as having spoken in insulting terms concerning -the German army. Finally, Baradier received notice to leave Metz -within twelve hours.</p> -<p>It was quite possible that chance alone might have caused the -increase of the burden laid on the banker of Troyes, and the -expulsion of Baradier might have been the consequence of the -banquet, at which more was said than the circumstances warranted. -But old Graff was convinced that his neighbour -Lichtenbach’s son was an agent of the enemy, and that the -rogue had simply turned informer against him. All the same, Elias -bowed to him in the street with the greatest deference, and he -always showed himself very polite to Antoine.</p> -<p>The quiet and taciturn heir to the firm of Graff avoided, as -far as possible, his former companion. He did not openly break -with him, his nature being opposed to violence of every kind. But -very few words were spoken on either side, and he avoided -transacting business with him. The firm Graff stored up large -quantities of wool, which were sold to the manufacturers of -Champagne and the Ardennes. The Baradiers, who had just bought a -large factory at Ars, were great customers of theirs. Elias, who -continued his father’s wholesale business, bought and sold -everything in the nature of a business transaction, and had often -made offers to the Graff for the wool of Germany. The latter had -always declined his offers. Still, in spite of such evident -ill-will, Elias was not discouraged, and, with that tenacity -which is one of the <a name="page48"></a><span class="pagenum">p. -48</span>virtues of his race, he periodically visited Graff and -his son, in the hope of bringing off a bargain.</p> -<p>Thus, after two years spent by Mademoiselle Graff in one of -the best boarding schools in Nancy, Elias, one fine morning, -found himself in front of her in the garden, whilst waiting for -Antoine. He was stupefied and completely dazzled. The child had -become a young lady, tall and graceful, with dark eyes, light -hair, and brilliant complexion. He dared not speak to her, and -could only bow as she passed. On returning home he mentioned the -incident to his father, and, with a wealth of biblical -comparison, he depicted the maiden, like Rebecca appearing to -Jacob. He left his father in no doubt that he was passionately in -love, and that if, as the shepherd had served Laban, he should -have to serve Graff, he would submit to it for love of the fair -Elise.</p> -<p>Old Moses remarked that, being a Jew, and the Graffs being -Christians, there was no chance of being accepted by them, -without prejudice to the grievances they had manifested against -him ever since the war. Elias replied that he could abjure his -religion, and by his conversion give great prestige to the -Catholic faith, that he had earned sufficient money, and that a -young fellow of twenty-two years of age, who would place four -hundred thousand francs on the table when the contract was signed -was not a suitor to be thrown over so easily.</p> -<p>Moses warned his son that he was entering upon a perilous -negotiation. He did not dissuade him from changing his religion, -if he found any advantage in such a course, but he warned him -that, whether as Christian or Jew, he would not obtain the hand -of Mademoiselle Graff, and that he would gain nothing but the -shame of his apostacy. Elias, however, had a will of iron; he -astonished the archbishop by his determination, conciliated him -by his piety and <a name="page49"></a><span class="pagenum">p. -49</span>generosity, and, with remarkable skill, brought over to -his interests all the high Catholic powers. At a time when German -pietism was struggling in the conquered provinces, with a clergy -of purely Protestant tendencies, the conversion of Elias was a -political event.</p> -<p>Had Elias not been so well known he might have become popular. -All the same, he met a thorough refusal at the hands of the Graff -family, and, as though to intensify the insult offered to him, -before six months the beautiful Elise married the former -sergeant, Baradier. At the same time, a rumour spread abroad that -the Graffs were leaving the town. Antoine followed his -step-brother to Paris, and entered with him into the banking -establishment of Baradier senior.</p> -<p>It was too much for Elias. He lost his sleep, and one day, -after meeting the Graffs, who were being escorted to the station -by all their friends, he returned home, and was taken suddenly -ill. Old Moses, terrified, put his son to bed, summoned the -doctor, and learnt that the new convert was at the point of -death. A furious delirium had taken possession of him; during its -course he negotiated fabulous bargains with imaginary buyers and -sellers. A semblance of reason returned only when he poured forth -floods of insults and threats against the Baradiers and the -Graffs, whilst his father calmed him by saying—</p> -<p>“Yes, Elias, you shall have your revenge on these -rascals! You shall ruin them! You shall crush them under your -heel!”</p> -<p>Then a happy smile came over the patient’s lips; he -slept a few hours, and awoke feeling much better. One may affirm -that it was the intensity of his hatred that kept him from dying. -Plans of revenge haunted his fevered brain, and when the doctor, -in astonishment, declared that the young man was convalescent, -the first words Elias uttered <a name="page50"></a><span -class="pagenum">p. 50</span>were, “All the better! Had I -died, the Baradiers and Graff’s would have been too -glad!”</p> -<p>To tell the truth, the latter paid not the slightest heed to -the feelings of rancour they had so violently aroused. They had -assumed the direction of the firm, had extended the business, and -founded additional woollen factories. Marcel Baradier and his -sister Amélie were born. Complete harmony seemed to exist -in this happy family, when Elias Lichtenbach, his father having -died, came to establish himself in Paris.</p> -<p>A singular metamorphosis had been wrought in him. The first -time Baradier and his rival met at the Bourse the banker did not -recognize Lichtenbach. He saw before him a thin, stooping man, -almost bald, with cold, passionless eyes, hidden behind gold -spectacles. His very voice had changed. M. Lichtenbach spoke -little, said only what was absolutely essential, and remained -impassive before the most important news. A contraction of the -jaws alone betrayed his emotion, giving to his countenance a -character of singular ferocity.</p> -<p>Lichtenbach’s connection with the firm of Baradier and -Graff was full of meaning. He caused them to lose three hundred -thousand francs in a single morning on a contract for wool, -concluded at the Bourse of Troyes. Elias sold wool from Hungary -at so low a rate that Baradier and Graff, who had speculated on a -rise, were obliged to sell out rapidly to limit their risks. It -was the first clear flash from the cloud. Henceforward an enemy, -always on the watch, was ever ready to strike the Baradier firm -in its most vulnerable part. Lichtenbach’s evil intentions, -though concealed, were none the less certain.</p> -<p>When attacked they ingeniously defended themselves, took -needful precautions, and trusted nothing to hazard. Lichtenbach -was very powerful and dangerous. Left a widower, with one -daughter, whom he had sent to the <a name="page51"></a><span -class="pagenum">p. 51</span>Sacre-Coeur, there to be brought up -according to the principles of the most rigid devotion, Elias was -a type of the renegade who had become more Christian than the -Pope himself.</p> -<p>Still, if Lichtenbach was dreaded, he was received everywhere, -and his influence in society was as secret as it was sure. He -rendered priceless help to ruined families. Instead of aiming his -financial batteries against the established Government, he -divided his attempts, placed his hands on all the syndicates of -Europe, and by means of the capital he collected caused diverse -speculations not only to benefit himself, but all his friends in -addition.</p> -<p>The simplicity of his life was extreme. He lived in a gloomy -mansion in the Rue Barbet-de-Jouy, attended by servants from -Lorraine, who spoke German better than French. He never received -visitors, whilst a game of whist seemed to form his only -distraction. It was at his office, right in front of the Bourse, -that he received his clients. Although only forty-five years of -age, he seemed to have lost all interest in the fair sex, as -though all women were an object of terror for him. The little -Duchess de Bernay, who, thanks to speculations conducted by -Elias, had been able to pay her debts, one day said to her -friend, the Marchioness de Premeur—</p> -<p>“I must find out what Lichtenbach really thinks. After -all, the manner in which he treats us is almost -humiliating.”</p> -<p>For some evenings, in the presence of all her friends, she -flirted with Elias, without succeeding in thawing him. Then -suddenly she ceased paying attention to him. To her -companions’ ironical questions she replied, -evasively—</p> -<p>“I have lost my time. It is no use.”</p> -<p>But it was noticed that her style of living changed; that she -spent large sums of money, and that, according as she ceased -joking with the financier, she became more and <a -name="page52"></a><span class="pagenum">p. 52</span>more settled -in money matters. Elias, distant and silent as ever, continued to -speculate in the four corners of the globe, to advise the Prince, -manage his journal, and prove to the-firm of Baradier and Graff, -as well as to those in any way connected with him, that the -enmity he was nourishing would be with him as long as he -lived.</p> -<h3><a name="page53"></a><span class="pagenum">p. -53</span>CHAPTER III</h3> -<p><span class="smcap">On</span> reaching the Rue de -Provènce, the Minister of War descended from his brougham -with the eagerness of a young man, crossed the court-yard, -entered the offices, and, in loud tones, asked the office -boy—</p> -<p>“Is M. Baradier in?”</p> -<p>The office-boy instinctively stood at attention, and -replied—“Yes, General; I will announce you at -once.”</p> -<p>The Minister, with nervous steps, strode to and fro in the -ante-chamber, behind whose windows the Havas despatches gave the -current rates of all the Exchanges of Europe. Suddenly a door -opened, and a stout man with ruddy complexion entered the room -with outstretched arms.</p> -<p>“Ah, it is you, General! What trouble you have taken! -Just step into this room.”</p> -<p>The Minister entered, and as soon as the door was closed he -exclaimed—</p> -<p>“Ah, my poor friends! How sad it all is!”</p> -<p>“We cannot get over the shock, Baradier and I,” -said Graff, rolling forward an armchair. “Take a seat, -General.”</p> -<p>“Who has told you the news?”</p> -<p>“Baudoin, who was sleeping here last night, and came in -terrified this afternoon with the dismal tidings. What has -happened down there? The whole circumstances are even more -serious than the disaster itself. Graff and I have been <a -name="page54"></a><span class="pagenum">p. 54</span>questioning -and discussing with one another, without succeeding in settling -the frightful problem.”</p> -<p>“If only Marcel were here!” moaned Uncle Graff. -“He would enlighten us. He is so well acquainted with -Trémont’s life and habits, his -weaknesses.”</p> -<p>“His weaknesses?” asked the Minister. “A -woman? Is that what you mean?”</p> -<p>“Yes, General.”</p> -<p>“You are taking the paltry side of the matter,” -said the old soldier, firmly. “It is no question of a mere -<i>passade</i>. The affair before us is far more than a paltry -intrigue. The woman—yes, indeed, she has had a -<i>rôle</i> to play. But she has only been the agent, -perhaps unwittingly, of an attempt, carefully thought out and -boldly executed.”</p> -<p>“With what object?” asked Baradier. “Tell me -everything, General. Let us communicate our suspicions to one -another, in an attempt to throw light on the affair.”</p> -<p>“Ah! It is evident that the object of the attack was the -discoveries made by Trémont. In this abominable plot, -which has ended in the murder of a man we loved, a remarkable -<i>savant</i>, I see—but do not let this go beyond the -three of us here present—the hand of the -foreigner.”</p> -<p>There was a moment’s silence. Baradier and Graff looked -at one another, uneasily, and as though undecided. But the -impetuous Baradier could not long keep to himself the idea -working in his brain.</p> -<p>“We, too, General, seem to recognize in the blow which -has fallen on our friend some hateful intention against him and -against ourselves at once.”</p> -<p>“Baradier,” intervened Graff, “you are going -too fast and too far! How can you risk such a charge, on -suppositions alone?”</p> -<p>“Ah! You still hesitate!” exclaimed Baradier. -“You are still bound down by scruples! The deuce! I feel -there <a name="page55"></a><span class="pagenum">p. 55</span>is -treason and infamy in all this! I—Let me continue! I would -swear that Lichtenbach is at the bottom of it all!”</p> -<p>“You have no right to speak in that way!” -exclaimed Graff, rising to his feet and quivering with emotion. -“How can you insinuate that a man against whom nothing can -be said from either a professional or a moral point of view, is a -party to a crime, simply because he is our enemy? It is -abominable! We must give some place to justice!”</p> -<p>Baradier, boiling over with excitement, rose in his turn, and -began to walk to and fro, speaking in snatches.</p> -<p>“For the last two hours, General, we have been disputing -in this way, Graff and myself, and the only reply he can give me -is that I am not just! As though that were a matter of concern -when an imperious instinct cries out to you: ‘There is the -culprit. He is not seen; he is well masked, cunningly concealed, -and appears in nothing.’ Probably he will not be found out, -but it is he all the same who has done the deed, because it was -to his interest and hatred combined to do it! No! With his -justice, humanity, and philanthropy, you can have no idea how -stupid Graff is, at times!”</p> -<p>In spite of the gravity of the situation, the three friends -burst into a loud laugh, and Graff, bending forward his great -body, exclaimed—</p> -<p>“Thanks!”</p> -<p>The Minister then intervened to give a little order to the -debate.</p> -<p>“Come, Baradier, explain yourself. As your -brother-in-law says, vague presentiments are not sufficient to -establish an accusation. Presumptions lead to investigations, and -if guilt results from information obtained, then one may proceed. -Besides, I will observe to you that the authorities have been -notified, an examination has been commenced, and if you have -proofs to furnish—”</p> -<p><a name="page56"></a><span class="pagenum">p. -56</span>“Impossible!” interrupted Baradier. -“To you I have been telling my inmost thoughts; to an -examining magistrate I would not repeat what I have just -said.”</p> -<p>“Ah!” triumphed Graff; “what did I tell -you?”</p> -<p>“For me to quit my reserve, such discoveries ought to be -brought to light, that the proofs—moral as they -are—upon which I lean, should have material coincidences. -But do not think I am retreating. I will make inquiries, and if I -find—”</p> -<p>“You will not find anything. If your suspicions are -true, we have to deal with those who are stronger than -ourselves.”</p> -<p>“We shall see about that!”</p> -<p>The General intervened again.</p> -<p>“Is this Lichtenbach, of whom you speak, the great -merchant-prince who is allied with the clerico-royalist -party?”</p> -<p>“Yes, the same man.”</p> -<p>“And you imagine him capable of a crime?”</p> -<p>“I believe he is capable of anything.”</p> -<p>“Doubtless you know that he is very influential with the -Ministry, and obtains whatever he wishes.”</p> -<p>“He is very powerful everywhere; his arms stretch in all -directions.”</p> -<p>“But what interest would he have in trying to circumvent -Trémont, in the first place, and, afterwards, in bringing -about his disappearance?”</p> -<p>“Well, General, what do you think of the investigations -into explosives? Lichtenbach is at the head of the French -syndicate of mining exploitations. In Russia, Austria, and Spain, -he has considerable interests. Now, in the composition of a -powder, easy to control in results, capable of being handled -without harm, and of very moderate cost—and all these -advantages were claimed by the Trémont powder, as was seen -from the report read by the General, at the <a -name="page57"></a><span class="pagenum">p. 57</span>Academy of -Science, six months ago—was there not something to tempt -the covetousness of business men, ever on the look-out for -progressive and remunerative processes? Trémont had -received splendid offers, but had always refused even the initial -overtures. Then he explained to Graff and myself his intention of -promoting a company, the working of which should be exclusively -French. It was a point of honour with him that his own country -should profit from his discovery.”</p> -<p>“The fine fellow! Just like him!”</p> -<p>“He was well aware that he had found an opportunity of -making a fortune, but he did not wish foreign money to have a -hand in it. Besides, at the same time, he had almost completed -his investigations into a new war-powder. He would not throw the -commercial affair on the market until he had given his new -explosive to the Government. He said to us: ‘Both powders -at once. The one that will make me rich, and the one that will -make us conquerors. In this way I shall be pardoned for the -benefits I shall reap from the first, in favour of the prestige -the second will give our Army.’”</p> -<p>“Yes; secret experiments had already taken place with -his war-powder. Never had my colleagues or myself seen such -destructive effects. Nothing could have resisted an artillery -firing projectiles charged with this powder! And the secret has -vanished in smoke! It is a great misfortune for -France!”</p> -<p>A strange smile passed over Graff’s mouth, and, with a -gesture of dissent, he said—</p> -<p>“Ah! Who knows?”</p> -<p>“What do you mean?”</p> -<p>“Yes, it is not absolutely certain that the secret is -lost! Perhaps some one possesses the General’s -formulæ in duplicate.”</p> -<p><a name="page58"></a><span class="pagenum">p. -58</span>“Who?” exclaimed the Minister.</p> -<p>Graff rubbed his hands together and replied—</p> -<p>“My nephew!”</p> -<p>“Marcel? Has he said anything to you?”</p> -<p>“Yes. A week ago.”</p> -<p>At these words Baradier turned pale. Turning to his -brother-in-law, with a look of anguish, he exclaimed—</p> -<p>“Never let the slightest suspicion of this be known! -Repeat to no one what you have just said! They have killed -Trémont! Do you want them to kill my son?”</p> -<p>“Ah! Baradier, have you no courage left?” asked -the General. “You are afraid of your shadow now. Do you -imagine that, if your hypothesis be true, and I am much inclined -to share it, those who have dealt the blow will be disposed to -recommence without delay? We have time to act, and we are warned. -Why the deuce should we be afraid? Just now, the authors of the -crime have carefully gone to earth, for they can have no doubt -that the police are on the look-out for them. Do not be alarmed, -and let us speak frankly.”</p> -<p>“My dear General, if the possession of the secret of the -powders has been fatal to Trémont, whom they thought -simply of robbing, what is not to be feared for Marcel Baradier, -if this terrible intrigue is conducted by the implacable enemy of -all his family? They would have spared Trémont’s -life, could they have obtained possession of his formulæ. -Marcel can expect no pity, for it is Graff and myself—it is -his own mother whom they will reach in striking him.”</p> -<p>“We shall be there to defend him,” said Graff, in -trembling tones. “I am not an evil-disposed person, but -still I feel myself capable of the utmost ferocity in preventing -any harm befalling my nephew!”</p> -<p>“You understand,” said the General, “that if -the police <a name="page59"></a><span class="pagenum">p. -59</span>have no clue to your suspicions, I will take it upon -myself to inform them.”</p> -<p>“It would be wiser not to do anything of the -sort,” interrupted Baradier. “If, as we imagine, it -is<sub> </sub>Lichtenbach who has directed the frightful plot, -you may be certain beforehand that it will not be brought to -light. Both he and his accomplices are free from all -responsibility. The woman who appears to have acted as a decoy -will have disappeared. The man whose arm has been torn off will -be carefully attended to in some dark spot, perhaps abroad, and -the coachman who accompanied the accomplices to Vanves is a -trusted member of the band. Nothing will be discovered, you may -be sure. The examining magistrate may prepare at once to shelve -the whole affair.”</p> -<p>“I think as you do. But that is no reason for not making -investigations. In the first place, if Lichtenbach is watched, -perhaps some proof will be discovered. But all that concerns the -police. We will change the subject. General de Trémont has -left an only daughter, without support.”</p> -<p>“I beg your pardon, General. We will console her and pay -her all possible attention.”</p> -<p>“Yes, my dear friend, I know the poor child may rely -upon you. But she is without fortune. Trémont left very -little property; his pension was almost all that he -had.”</p> -<p>“Reassure yourself. She shall never lack anything. This -very morning my wife went to her to the Sacre-Coeur, and brought -her here. She shall stay with my daughter and be treated as -though she bore my own name.”</p> -<p>“All the same, I will obtain for her a pension from the -Ministry.”</p> -<p>“Certainly, if you wish; but it will simply be to ease -your conscience. She will have every want fulfilled. I take -charge of her as though she were my child.”</p> -<p><a name="page60"></a><span class="pagenum">p. -60</span>“Can I not speak to her? Is she in a fit state to -receive me?”</p> -<p>“She is in great grief, but very calm. Graff will tell -her that you are here.”</p> -<p>The uncle left the room. Baradier drew his chair nearer the -General’s, as though afraid the walls would hear what he -was about to say.</p> -<p>“Between you and myself—for Graff is too -sentimental—is this a matter that concerns other -countries?”</p> -<p>“How can we tell, so long as we have not laid our hands -on the culprits? Even if they are found, how can we throw light -on that question? We can never hope for absolute certainty in -this respect, as foreign agents always keep themselves aloof from -direct responsibility, and disclaim all connection with abroad, -if they are caught. We shall never get beyond probabilities. Our -artillery material and explosives are at present, and will long -remain, a matter of anxiety to rival Powers. Our armaments are -well known, though our projectiles are continually being -perfected. It is certain that the artillery which made use of the -Trémont powder would have had an overwhelming advantage. -Hence the attempt against the inventor, evidently.”</p> -<p>“So you attach a great value to the formulæ -discovered by the General?”</p> -<p>“A very great value. Its possession would render our -country an immense service.”</p> -<p>Baradier became serious. Bowing his head, he continued -resolutely—</p> -<p>“I am a good patriot, General. I fought for France to -the very last hour of the war. All the Baradier family, Lorraines -from Metz, went into voluntary exile so as not to live in the -midst of our conquerors. If my country needed my life, I would -not hesitate to give it up. I <a name="page61"></a><span -class="pagenum">p. 61</span>will do more, I will risk my -son’s life. If Marcel knows Trémont’s secret, -I give you my oath you shall have the powder.”</p> -<p>A flash of joy shone in the old soldier’s eyes. -Stretching out his hand to Baradier, he exclaimed, in trembling -tones—“Thank you. You are a brave soldier.”</p> -<p>At this moment the door opened, and the General gave a -sonorous hum, and regained his composure. Madame Baradier and -Mademoiselle de Trémont entered the room, followed by -Graff. Still slender and graceful, Madame Baradier now showed a -few silver threads among the beautiful blonde tresses of her -youth. But her frank look and smiling lips revealed the young -girl beloved of Elias Lichtenbach. Mademoiselle de -Trémont, wearing a blue convent dress, slender and -dark-complexioned, showed in her countenance, overwhelmed with -grief, the charming grace of her sixteen years. Without the -slightest awkwardness or hesitation, she walked straight to her -father’s friend. At the first words the old soldier -addressed her, however, her eyes filled with tears, which -silently flowed unheeded down her cheeks. She listened with eager -satisfaction to the consoling words of praise, consecrated to him -who had just disappeared, and the silent nod she gave from time -to time seemed an acquiescence of resignation and grief, in the -bitterness of life now beginning for her.</p> -<p>Alas! she had scarcely known her father. A widower very soon -after the birth of his daughter, he had been obliged to entrust -her to the care of pious and devout women. She had scarcely ever -tasted of the delights of home. Geneviève often tried, in -vain, to recall the sound of her mother’s voice. How sad it -was! She had never felt on her heart the caressing warmth of an -ever-present affection. Isolation, in the midst of strangers, -kind and benevolent though they were, had been her lot, right to -the day <a name="page62"></a><span class="pagenum">p. 62</span>on -which death had broken the slender bond which still attached her -to her father. And now what a sorrowful end, in this catastrophe, -at once stupefying and terrible, which left her an orphan, and -filled her mind with thoughts of violence and massacre!</p> -<p>She had not even the supreme consolation of thinking that the -one she mourned had had a calm and peaceful death. As a soldier, -he had not fallen on the field of battle; as a <i>savant</i>, he -had not succumbed, a victim to his investigations. In a base and -cowardly fashion, he had been assassinated by bandits. She heard -the Minister telling her that she might rely on his protection. -Stammering out her thanks, and blinded by tears, she left the -room with Madame Baradier, almost heart-broken at being made to -understand more vividly, from the expressions of condolence -addressed to her, the extent of her loss.</p> -<p>The Minister, on leaving the room in his turn, found General -de Trémont’s servant awaiting him in the -antechamber. He looked with interest at the latter’s -intelligent and energetic countenance.</p> -<p>“Well, my poor Baudoin, this is a great loss for -us.”</p> -<p>“It is a great crime, General.”</p> -<p>“They had sent you away, my good fellow; but for that, -all this would not have happened.”</p> -<p>“Ah, General, it is always the fair sex who ruin -everything!”</p> -<p>“Come, come! Don’t say anything more on the -subject.”</p> -<p>“Pardon me, General. I do not mention it from lack of -deference for my poor master, but if attempts are not made to -find the scoundrel, the woman who controlled the whole affair, -nothing will be discovered, and my master will remain -unavenged.”</p> -<p>“Do you know the woman?”</p> -<p><a name="page63"></a><span class="pagenum">p. -63</span>“Ah! If I had known her, I, too, should have been -dead!”</p> -<p>Baradier, Graff, and the Minister looked at one another. What -Baudoin had just said was so clear a confirmation of -Baradier’s fears, concerning his son, that the threatening -power of the mysterious woman instantly forced itself on the -Minister’s thoughts. He was already so well acquainted -personally, and through his predecessors, with these -fortune-hunters, always in quest of a speculation or intrigue to -work out, or a secret to be stolen, from the sellers of crosses -of honour, to searchers of official desks. He could have named -several of them. And the experience of the past: all these acts -of imprudence and folly, were there to prove the truth of what -the simple and devoted Baudoin now said. The Minister -continued—</p> -<p>“I heard her voice, General, last night, and I will -warrant that if she uttered a word in my hearing, I should -recognize it.”</p> -<p>“Ah, a voice, my poor fellow, a voice heard for a single -moment, uttering a few sentences only. How could one dare to -accuse another on such feeble evidence? Do you know, there are -voices so similar that one may be mistaken, even when one is -familiar with their owners. If you have no other proof to give, -my poor Baudoin, you had better say nothing at all.”</p> -<p>“We shall see, General.”</p> -<p>“Ah, you are obstinate!”</p> -<p>“A little, General.”</p> -<p>“Well, well! What can I do for you? You have been a good -soldier, and a devoted servant. I imagine your master would have -recommended me not to abandon you. Would you like to enter the -office of the Ministry?”</p> -<p>“Thank you, General. M. Baradier has offered to take <a -name="page64"></a><span class="pagenum">p. 64</span>me into his -office, and I have accepted. But if you would be good enough -to—”</p> -<p>“Well, speak!”</p> -<p>“Could you please tell me the name of the Ministerial -agent who has been conducting the investigations? He seemed to me -a very intelligent man, and I should like to speak to -him.”</p> -<p>“His name is Laforêt. But keep the name to -yourself. I have sufficient confidence to mention it to you; -still, it must not be generally known.”</p> -<p>“You may rely on my discretion, General. I will say -nothing.”</p> -<p>“Well, good day!”</p> -<p>The Minister shook hands with Baradier and Graff, and rode -away in his brougham. When the two partners returned into the -hall, Baudoin, to whom they wished to speak, had disappeared.</p> -<p>As soon as he learnt the agent’s name, Baudoin had taken -his hat, and, leaving the hotel by the servants’ exit, had -made his way to the Ministry. On reaching the entrance he made -inquiries. Being an old soldier, he knew how to speak to -soldiers. The orderly he met in the hall pointed out to him the -building he wished to enter, right at the end of the court, -staircase C. There the porter had stopped him; no one could enter -without authorization. He had none; he must accordingly ask for -one.</p> -<p>“I simply wanted to speak to M. -Laforêt.”</p> -<p>The porter looked at him with suspicion. Then he -said—</p> -<p>“M. Laforêt? You will not find him at the -Ministry, call at his private residence.”</p> -<p>“Where is that?”</p> -<p>“You must inquire.”</p> -<p>It was quite evident there was nothing to be gained here. <a -name="page65"></a><span class="pagenum">p. 65</span>Bowing, he -thanked the porter and took his departure. In the Rue -Saint-Dominique, at the corner of the Rue Martignac, he noticed a -small café. He entered with the object of making -inquiries, as the porter had recommended. Four customers, under -the complaisant eye of the proprietor, were playing at cards. At -the far end was a room, containing a billiard-table. The players -could be seen, though indistinctly, each time they passed before -the door. There appeared to be spectators present. Probably a -pool was being contested.</p> -<p>“A bock. Is there a billiard academy here?”</p> -<p>“Ah, sir, we have some very fine players. Some of these -gentlemen from the Ministry come every evening. M. Trousset, the -head clerk, though an amateur, would be a match for the best -players in Paris, and even from abroad!”</p> -<p>“Indeed! And may one watch the game?”</p> -<p>“If you wish, sir, I will carry the beer into the next -room.”</p> -<p>Baudoin had already entered the billiard-room, which contained -two tables. Taking a seat, he looked on. One of the players was a -stout, jovial fellow, who accompanied his cannons with stale -jokes. The other, a tall, thin dark-complexioned man, was -Laforêt himself. Baudoin gave himself a slap on the thigh, -took out a cigarette, and exclaimed to the astonishment of his -neighbour—</p> -<p>“I am lucky this time!”</p> -<p>As he was looked at inquisitively, he said no more, but lit a -cigarette, and began to sip his beer. The stout player said to -his opponent, with a wink—</p> -<p>“The balls are in the corner; now for the -final!”</p> -<p>Whereupon he made a series of seventeen cannons, and missed -the eighteenth. Laforêt, without being disconcerted, took -up the cue, but only scored five points. His adversary -exclaimed—</p> -<p><a name="page66"></a><span class="pagenum">p. -66</span>“If I score fifteen now, I win the set.”</p> -<p>He won without the slightest effort, turned down his -shirt-sleeves, put on his coat, and, holding out his hand to his -opponent, said:</p> -<p>“No ill feeling?”</p> -<p>“None at all. You have played very well, M. -Moussin,” said Laforêt. “My revenge next -time.”</p> -<p>“Whenever you like.”</p> -<p>Laforêt, with perfect indifference, approached Baudoin, -exclaiming in loud tones—</p> -<p>“Waiter, a bitter.”</p> -<p>Then, turning towards the General’s servant, he -asked—</p> -<p>“Are you waiting for me?”</p> -<p>“Yes; so you recognized me?”</p> -<p>“That is my business. Anything fresh?”</p> -<p>“No; all the same, I wish to speak to you.”</p> -<p>“Good!”</p> -<p>The few loiterers gradually filed out into the other room, -which was lighter and more pleasant in appearance. A few players -alone remained, and Baudoin and Laforêt found themselves -isolated.</p> -<p>“You may speak here, no one will pay any attention to -us.”</p> -<p>“Well! This morning, when I saw you, in the presence of -all the others, I had an impression that you were a man to be -relied upon, and that, in case it were necessary to appeal to any -one concerning something difficult or dangerous, one would run no -risk with you of being left in the lurch. Am I -mistaken?”</p> -<p>“No.”</p> -<p>“If I think rightly, you do not work under the same -conditions as the agents in the service of the Prefecture, who -are entirely allied to the Administration. You are, I suppose, a -kind of volunteer of the police, at liberty to give <a -name="page67"></a><span class="pagenum">p. 67</span>information -as you please, consequently free as regards -initiative.”</p> -<p>Laforêt interrupted him.</p> -<p>“If you wish to speak to me on the Vanves affair, I must -stop you at once. My principal ordered me not to take any further -steps in the matter for the moment. The Public Prosecutor is in -possession of the information. Every one to his own department. -We shall not take up the matter again, provisionally.”</p> -<p>“But if I simply asked you to enlighten me on certain -points?”</p> -<p>“One can always give advice.”</p> -<p>“Good! The police are about to make a search for the -authors of the crime of which my master has been the victim. But -I, also, should like to investigate.”</p> -<p>“There is no one to prevent you.”</p> -<p>“Ah! One must know how to go about it. One does not -become a detective by instinct. Which end shall I begin with, to -unravel the skein?”</p> -<p>“Come! Had your master any family?”</p> -<p>“A daughter.”</p> -<p>“She had no interest in wishing to be rid of -him?”</p> -<p>“Not the slightest.”</p> -<p>“Had he any visitors?”</p> -<p>“Very few; he was so distrustful! The woman who called -on him only came mysteriously by night, on which occasions he -always sent me away.”</p> -<p>“That is the same woman who came last night?”</p> -<p>“Yes.”</p> -<p>“Do you know if M. de Trémont had any -enemies?”</p> -<p>“No.”</p> -<p>“Was there any one who had reasons for injuring -him?”</p> -<p>“In a certain sense, yes.”</p> -<p><a name="page68"></a><span class="pagenum">p. -68</span>“Why do you suspect this?”</p> -<p>“I judge from personal observation, confirmed by the -conviction of one of my master’s friends.”</p> -<p>“A man who can offer good guarantees?”</p> -<p>“Perfect.”</p> -<p>“Very good! Search must be made in that -direction.”</p> -<p>“If only you knew what difficulties I am likely to meet -with.”</p> -<p>“That is the most interesting part about it. It is not -very clever to arrest a coal-dealer who has been thrashing his -wife in his shop, or a hair-dresser who has cut his lady’s -throat with one of his razors! What excites one is the struggle -and pursuit, the necessity of employing trickery and invention. -We are men of imagination, and novelists often make us laugh by -the poverty of their combinations.”</p> -<p>“That is because you like your profession. It is not so -with me; I am not inquisitive. Were I not mad with grief at -seeing my master, whom I was so fond of basely murdered, I should -take good care not to meddle with other people’s affairs. -But vengeance seems a kind of duty my master would impose on me, -could he do so. Had he had time to think, the moment he was -struck, he must have said to himself: ‘Ah! If only Baudoin -were here he would defend me with his last breath.’ You -see, I must find his murderers. I shall have no rest till I have -succeeded in this pursuit.”</p> -<p>Laforêt had become thoughtful. After a moment’s -hesitation, he said—</p> -<p>“You are a brave fellow. But you do not possess the -qualities necessary for the unravelling of an affair like this -one. You will spoil everything by putting on their guard the very -people you suspect. Do not stir; just wait. Patience is the first -duty of a detective. Time is a precious auxiliary. At first, a -criminal is very cautious; he takes every precaution. By degrees, -as his feeling of security <a name="page69"></a><span -class="pagenum">p. 69</span>increases, his prudence lessens, he -trusts himself out of his lair once more, and it is then that -there is a good chance of catching him. Instead of undertaking a -campaign, remain inactive. If you have to deal with powerful and -determined men, be sure they will keep a watch on you, in -proportion to their unwillingness to be caught. You will do more -for the success of your side by giving them to believe that you -do not suspect them, than by plotting against them, without -knowing how to out-trick them. Go back home, warn those who, like -you, wish to avenge the General, and wait and see the trend of -events. Be sure something will happen which will put you on their -track. Then go ahead boldly. If ever you need me, come here about -five o’clock. You will find me regularly at this hour. My -principal may be disposed to allow me to co-operate with -you.”</p> -<p>Baudoin rose from his seat.</p> -<p>“Very good. I will follow your advice. If you have -anything to tell me, send to Messieurs Baradier and -Graff.”</p> -<p>“The bankers of the Rue de Provènce?”</p> -<p>“Yes.”</p> -<p>“Strange! My principal has just gone to see them, on -leaving the Ministry. I heard it from the coachman. Good! -Everything will turn out for the best, when the right moment -comes. <i>Au revoir</i>!”</p> -<p>The two men shook hands, and Baudoin returned home.</p> -<p>Marcel, summoned by wire, had just returned from Ars. He was -closeted with his father and uncle. Walking to and fro about the -room, he gave brief replies to the questions asked him. Tall and -slender, of fair complexion, with long moustache, and blue eyes, -he offered a perfect pattern of the Lorraine type, in its full -purity and strength. He was a very fine-looking young fellow, and -his Uncle Graff watched him with a glow of pride and -satisfaction.</p> -<p><a name="page70"></a><span class="pagenum">p. -70</span>“Well, then, what did Trémont tell you, the -last time you saw him?”</p> -<p>“From a scientific point of view, we spoke of nothing -but my investigations on the subject of aniline.”</p> -<p>“Nothing concerning his powders?”</p> -<p>“He had already told me the results he had reached. I -shared his opinion that the main difficulty was solved. In the -composition of explosives there was nothing more to do besides -introducing a few details of manipulation.”</p> -<p>“And you knew his formulæ?”</p> -<p>“I know every one of them.”</p> -<p>“You could prepare them?”</p> -<p>“Without the slightest difficulty.”</p> -<p>“That is what I was afraid of,” exclaimed -Baradier, sorrowfully.</p> -<p>“What! Afraid of? But it is very lucky for us all. For -Geneviève, for whom a fortune is assured; for the Army, -which will possess the Trémont powder; and for the -General’s memory, by reason of the glory attaching to so -important a discovery.”</p> -<p>“Well, Marcel, I beg of you,” said Baradier, in -trembling tones, “for the sake of us all, for the time -being, not to breathe a word to any one concerning what you have -just revealed to us. It is a matter of life or death. So long as -those who have killed Trémont remain at large, and -unpunished, there will be no safety for those who might be -suspected of being in possession of his scientific secret. It was -to rob him of this that the blow fell. In Heaven’s name, be -very careful not to let it be known that you have been taken into -the confidence of our friend.”</p> -<p>“Do not be uneasy,” said the young man, with a -smile. “No one in the world knows, except my uncle and -yourself. I feel no inclination to proclaim it on the housetops. -But I cannot refuse to refrain from profiting by it, when <a -name="page71"></a><span class="pagenum">p. 71</span>the right -time comes, even though there may be risks to run.”</p> -<p>“Nor do we. But let us continue our investigations. -Trémont was very free with you. He spoke to you of his -private life. He told you of his adventures in the early days of -his military career.”</p> -<p>“Poor man! That was his only weakness. His heart -remained as young as ever. His imagination was very inflammable, -and he gave way to it with unparalleled facility. I was often -obliged to stop him.”</p> -<p>“Did he mention nothing that had happened -recently?”</p> -<p>“No; he appeared preoccupied and less expansive than -usual. Probably he had been recommended to be very discreet, and -his promise had been given. I must say that his passion for the -fair sex rather disgusted me, and I gave no encouragement to -tales which appeared to me unworthy of our friend’s noble -mind. Latterly, therefore, finding him reserved and quiet, I did -not encourage him to speak. I preferred him to say nothing on the -subject.”</p> -<p>“What a pity! Just the time when his explanations would -have been so useful.”</p> -<p>“It is always so!”</p> -<p>“Had he made no fresh male acquaintances? Was there no -name you could catch?”</p> -<p>“He spoke to me of no one except a foreign savant, with -whom he had struck up a friendship, and who seems to have been an -extraordinary man. He suspected him of being a nihilist, and that -worried him. But he spoke of him with the utmost -admiration.”</p> -<p>“Was he a Russian?”</p> -<p>“I do not know. His name was Hans.”</p> -<p>“Hans!” exclaimed Baradier. “That was the -name of the man whose arm was torn off! It is the name on the <a -name="page72"></a><span class="pagenum">p. 72</span>ring worn by -the man who caused the explosion of the house at Vanves. This is -the first flash of light.”</p> -<p>“So the General was acquainted with this Hans? Still, -Hans is a German name!”</p> -<p>“Only a German Christian name. As you are aware, there -are several Russians of German origin. If the Hans in question is -the author of that catastrophe, the end he aimed at by obtaining -access to the General might well be the possession of the -formulæ of the explosive found by him. But then, how had he -become acquainted with the discoveries the General kept strictly -secret?”</p> -<p>Graff, who had not yet spoken, but had been listening in a -reverie to the observations exchanged between his brother-in-law -and his nephew, raised his hand, and slowly began, as though -following the slender thread of a still fugitive idea—</p> -<p>“You are getting lost. The motives of the instigators of -this crime—for, certainly, there are several of -them—are of a much higher order than you imagine. You are -looking for robbers trying to obtain possession of some -exceedingly fruitful discovery, or of anarchists on the scent of -some powerful means of extermination. All this is very vulgar and -commonplace. You have to deal with criminals of a higher stamp. -The care they took to rob Trémont after killing him prove -that his murderers wished to throw one off the scent. When one -has a house to pillage, he does not linger behind to steal a -watch or a pocket-book. The mysterious proceedings of those who -effected the <i>coup</i> are those of political conspirators, and -the thing that gives the whole plot its special character is the -presence of a woman. Every undertaking of interest to foreign -politics, for the past century, has been carried on by women. -From my point of view, this is in a large measure what must have -taken place. One or several European States have been acquainted -with <a name="page73"></a><span class="pagenum">p. 73</span>the -investigations carried on by Trémont. His communications -to the Institute may have sufficed to give the alarm. -Immediately, means have been sought for becoming intimate with -him, or obtaining his confidence. Our friend’s nature has -been studied, and a young woman, clever and beautiful, has been -fastened on him, soon to serve as intermediary between the -General and Hans. The latter is no Russian, but probably some -native of Baden. The woman is a spy in the service of our -enemies. The man, introduced into the premises by the woman, -failed in his attempts to obtain, by trickery, -Trémont’s secrets; accordingly he had recourse to -violence. Be certain the whole <i>coup</i> was entered upon for -interests far higher than you imagine. You see a Lichtenbach in -the affair, and imagine that it is in his interests that Hans and -the mysterious woman have been playing each a perilous game. You -attach to him more importance than he deserves. You must seek -higher, or rather not seek at all, for nothing will be found -now.”</p> -<p>“I cannot deny,” replied Baradier, “that -Graff’s explanation possesses some semblance of likelihood. -Graff is a man of imagination, who often sees things that do not -exist. Still, in the present circumstances, he would be a bold -man who would say that he was mistaken. Perhaps his supposition -and mine both contain part of the truth. What cannot be doubted -is that the authors of this audacious plot are persons who will -shrink before nothing. Accordingly we must be prudent, and not -appear to suspect them, living in just our usual manner. -Apparently we must abstain from all participation in the work of -justice. If the police succeed we shall be satisfied, without -having been involved in the affair. If they find nothing, as is -very likely, then our turn will come. In my opinion clever and -cool-headed criminals it is almost impossible to run to ground. -It is only by their <a name="page74"></a><span class="pagenum">p. -74</span>imprudence that they betray themselves. It is when they -begin to be no longer on their guard that there is a chance of -finding some clue to their guilt. So, after all, the most prudent -and skilful plan will be to wait. Marcel will return to -Ars—”</p> -<p>“Not until I have seen Geneviève.”</p> -<p>“Of course, you will dine and sleep here, and take the -train to-morrow morning. Your mother and uncle will not be sorry -to see a little of you.”</p> -<p>“And my father?” asked the young man, smiling.</p> -<p>“And your father. Now come along with me to see your -mother. Graff, you are staying in the office?”</p> -<p>“For a few minutes. Then I return home, but will be back -in time for dinner.”</p> -<p>Proceeding along an inner staircase, father and son reached -the private rooms, and were astonished to find in the hall a tall -footman waiting there.</p> -<p>“Your mother has visitors,” said Baradier. -“How has that come about; to-day is not her reception -day?”</p> -<p>They entered Madame Baradier’s small salon. There she -sat, pensive, near the window, her needlework lying idly in her -lap.</p> -<p>“What! You here?” said Baradier. “I thought -you were receiving.”</p> -<p>“The visit is not for me.”</p> -<p>“What is the meaning of this? No one can have called for -Amélie. Then it must be for Mademoiselle de -Trémont?”</p> -<p>“You are right,” said Madame Baradier.</p> -<p>“What is the matter with you?” asked the banker. -“There is something extraordinary going on. -Explain.”</p> -<p>“It is, indeed, very extraordinary. It is a schoolmate -of Geneviève, who has come especially from the convent to -assure her of her sympathy and affection; a trusted <a -name="page75"></a><span class="pagenum">p. 75</span>servant came -with her, since her father could not come in person.”</p> -<p>Baradier’s face turned crimson, as he asked with a -frown—</p> -<p>“Then it is—?”</p> -<p>His wife did not give him time to continue. They understood -one another at a glance.</p> -<p>“Yes, my dear, it is Mademoiselle -Lichtenbach.”</p> -<p>A silence fell throughout the room. Marcel had gone straight -to his mother, to embrace her. He now stood looking at his -father, who, standing before the mantelpiece, was endeavouring to -fathom the meaning of this unexpected visit.</p> -<p>“What is she like?” asked Marcel.</p> -<p>“I scarcely looked at her, I must confess, my child. -When her name was announced I was very much astonished. -Amélie and Geneviève were with me at the time. I -left them in the salon as soon as Mademoiselle Lichtenbach -entered. She appeared to me to be tall, and rather good looking. -It was, however, her voice, a sweet, charming voice, which -impressed me most favourably.”</p> -<p>“It is different from her father’s, then,” -growled Baradier.</p> -<p>“And how long has she been here?”</p> -<p>“Half an hour, at least.”</p> -<p>“And my sister is with them?”</p> -<p>“She could not help staying with them, otherwise it -would have been a show of hostility quite out of place. -Parents’ enmities, I hope, form no necessary part of -children’s inheritances.”</p> -<p>“Mother, what you are now saying is contrary to all -poetical tradition. Look at Romeo and Juliet. What would become -of literature were there no hereditary enmities? They form part -and parcel of romantic stock-in-trade. <a name="page76"></a><span -class="pagenum">p. 76</span>The deuce! We must not diminish it, -as it is becoming less and less quite fast enough!”</p> -<p>Baradier was not listening to his son; he remained still -plunged in his own reflections. At last he murmured—</p> -<p>“What has she come for? Why has Lichtenbach permitted -her to come?”</p> -<p>“Shall I go and ask her?” asked Marcel.</p> -<p>“Try to be serious, Marcel,” exclaimed the banker. -“This is no matter for jest.”</p> -<p>“Oh, I know that well enough. I wonder what it is that -upsets you so much? Here is my mother as pale as death, and -yourself in a fever-heat, and all because a young girl has come -to sympathize with her school-mate! There is something -extraordinary going on.”</p> -<p>Baradier glanced sideways at his son, and replied in a tone of -irritation—</p> -<p>“Don’t be such a fool, Marcel. You are incapable -of understanding!”</p> -<p>Marcel bowed, in mock humility.</p> -<p>“Thanks! What do I owe you for that?”</p> -<p>But Baradier had no time to give way to his increasing -irritation. The door of the salon opened, and Amélie -appeared on the threshold.</p> -<p>“Mamma, Mademoiselle Lichtenbach would like to say -good-bye to you before leaving.”</p> -<p>“She seems to be very well bred,” said Marcel, in -low tones. “Are you going, mother? I will accompany you. I -should like to see what she looks like.”</p> -<p>It was in vain that Baradier shouted to his son—</p> -<p>“Marcel, stay here; I forbid you!”</p> -<p>Already the young man, with a laugh, had slipped behind his -mother into the salon.</p> -<p>“The young rascal will never have any common -sense,” moaned Baradier. And he sat down in the seat his -wife had <a name="page77"></a><span class="pagenum">p. -77</span>just left, vaguely listening to the sound of voices, -which now reached him.</p> -<p>At the very first glance Marcel Baradier noticed that -Mademoiselle Lichtenbach was of a very elegant figure, with a -countenance of great gentleness. On further examination he did -not find her pretty. Her features were irregular, but her face -was lit up by eyes of limpid blue, radiant with frankness and -amiability. She was standing there, an upright and slender form, -in her sombre school-dress, with the blue ribbon on her breast. -On Madame Baradier introducing Marcel to her she made a -respectful bow, and said in delightful accents—</p> -<p>“I could not take my leave, madame, without thanking you -for your kind welcome. Mademoiselle de Trémont and myself -are very fond of one another. For a year we have been close -companions, and I sympathize with her present suffering, as -though her loss were also mine. It is a great relief to me, now -that we are obliged to separate, to know that she will be with -one who loves her. I hope you will permit her to speak to you of -me, so that she may not forget me too soon, and, perhaps, instil -into your mind a little of the sympathy her heart feels for -me.”</p> -<p>Marcel was still under the charm of the voice that uttered -these gentle words, when those clear, luminous eyes fell on him. -He returned the look with an inquisitive and, perhaps, rather -bold glance, for she immediately turned aside. At the same time a -slight blush, as though accompanied with a shudder, passed over -her smiling face, which suddenly became serious.</p> -<p>“I must thank you, mademoiselle, for the sentiments you -express regarding our dear Geneviève. For -ourselves,” continued Madame Baradier, “rest assured -we shall not endeavour to influence her in her -affections.”</p> -<p><a name="page78"></a><span class="pagenum">p. -78</span>Mademoiselle Lichtenbach bowed, gave a graceful nod to -Amélie, and, on passing in front of Marcel, heard the -latter say to her, in troubled tones—</p> -<p>“Permit me, mademoiselle, to show you the -way.”</p> -<p>Opening the door of the salon, and, taking the mantle the -young girl had left in the hall, he placed it over her shoulders. -Then, walking by her side, his mother and sister looking on in -stupefaction, he descended the steps, followed by the footman. On -reaching the bottom he said, with a charm full of -grace—</p> -<p>“Mademoiselle de Trémont’s departure will -doubtless make your stay at the convent seem rather sad to you -now, mademoiselle?”</p> -<p>“Yes. I hope Geneviève will not forget me, but -come and see me.”</p> -<p>“After all, probably you will not stay long yourself at -the Sacre-Coeur.”</p> -<p>“I was like Mademoiselle de Trémont, alone with -my father. Geneviève will find a mother in Madame -Baradier, whilst I—”</p> -<p>She left the sentence unfinished. Marcel, however, well -understood the sadness of her meaning—“I shall remain -abandoned, as I have been all my life. My youthful years will -pass away behind the sad walls of a convent, under the cold, -methodical surveillance of nuns, most excellent persons, but -incapable of giving me that warmth of affection I need to be -happy. My friend is leaving me, and all the sweetness of my life -is past.”</p> -<p>She looked so melancholy and resigned that Marcel was moved -with pity at her grief. They had now reached the brougham, the -door of which was held open by the footman.</p> -<p>“No, mademoiselle,” said Marcel. “Rest -assured Geneviève de Trémont will not forget -you.”</p> -<p><a name="page79"></a><span class="pagenum">p. 79</span>He -fastened his eyes on Mademoiselle Lichtenbach’s face, which -now, in feature, seemed delicate and charming in its modest -grace; then, bowing, he added, in lower tones—</p> -<p>“I do not think you are one of those whose fate it is to -be forgotten.”</p> -<p>Mademoiselle Lichtenbach smiled and bowed. Then, entering the -carriage, she said to the servant—</p> -<p>“Drive back home.”</p> -<p>Not another word was exchanged, whilst the footman climbed to -his seat, and the coachman put the reins in order. Marcel, with -head uncovered, stood there on the footpath in the Rue de -Provènce, looking through the window of the brougham at -this young girl, who appeared so simple and attractive to him, -though he had never seen her until an hour before. Mademoiselle -Lichtenbach sat there with bowed head, while a smile played on -her lips. The carriage started, and the charm was broken.</p> -<p>On returning to the house Marcel reflected: If the father is a -rogue, the daughter, at any rate, is a very charming person. -After all, she is not responsible for her father’s -misdeeds. But all this has nothing to do with me. In all -probability we shall never meet again, so she may be what she -likes. All the same, he could not get over the idea that -Mademoiselle Lichtenbach, daughter of the declared enemy of -Baradier and Graff, was a very striking character.</p> -<p>“Well,” said his father, who was awaiting his -return, “you show yourself very polite. You could not be -more gallant to a princess.”</p> -<p>“Probably not,” said the young man, calmly.</p> -<p>“Will you have the goodness to explain why you show -yourself so obliging towards the daughter of our -enemy?”</p> -<p><a name="page80"></a><span class="pagenum">p. -80</span>“For the sole reason that she is the daughter of -our enemy.”</p> -<p>“It may be very chivalrous on your part, but to me it -appears stupid.”</p> -<p>“Do you intend to introduce the fair sex into your -quarrels?”</p> -<p>“I should like to see how Lichtenbach would treat your -mother and sister if ever they fell into his power!”</p> -<p>“Let us hope we may never experience it. Still, Baradier -and Graff are not obliged to act like Lichtenbach. Ask my uncle -what he thinks about it.”</p> -<p>“Oh, your uncle is too sentimental. For the last hour I -have been trying to find motives for this intervention. Evidently -Lichtenbach wishes to throw us off the scent by this -demonstration of affection for Mademoiselle de Trémont, -but it is this very thing which awakens my suspicions. Do you -know what Barentin, of the Supreme Court, told me lately? Not -twenty-five per cent. of the criminals are ever discovered, and -then only by their own folly. The rich calculate, and are almost -sure of impunity.”</p> -<p>“My dear father, if the whole might of the law cannot -seize a murderer, how can you expect Baradier and Graff to -succeed? We must be sensible, and not attempt impossibilities. We -will do the best we can—you by protecting Mademoiselle de -Trémont, and I by assuring her the fortune her father -promised her. For the rest let us trust in Providence.”</p> -<p>“In Providence!” growled Baradier. “Trust -rather in the devil! Attend to what I tell you, Marcel. Your -mother, yourself, and myself are all involved in the quarrel -between Lichtenbach and your uncle. Lichtenbach is one of those -revengeful <i>men</i> who strike both their enemies and their -enemies’ offspring. Trémont has met his fate; it -will be our turn next.”</p> -<p><a name="page81"></a><span class="pagenum">p. -81</span>“No, father, our turn will never come,” said -Marcel, energetically. “At the very first threat, the -faintest attempt, I will go to Lichtenbach myself, and settle all -our accounts with him at a single time. That I swear!”</p> -<p>Graff, clean shaven and elegantly attired, now entered the -office. Baradier signed to his son to say no more, and all three -mounted to the salon to join the ladies.</p> -<h3><a name="page82"></a><span class="pagenum">p. -82</span>CHAPTER IV</h3> -<p><span class="smcap">In</span> his study, soberly furnished, -Elias Lichtenbach, seated in front of a large Louis Fourteenth -bureau, was speaking in low tones, as though afraid of being -heard, to a priest, lolling at ease in an enormous armchair. By -the light of the setting sun, the sharp, bony face of the banker, -with his <i>keen</i> eyes and thin, well-shaven lips, could be -faintly distinguished. He was no longer the stout healthy-looking -Elias of former days. The cares of life had withered the flower -of youth on his cheeks, and wrinkled the once careless brow. The -jaws were still pronounced, but hard and thin, like those of a -powerful and ferocious man-eater. The hairy hands, long and -grasping as they lay there on the desk, revealed unusual love of -wealth. A black skull-cap covered Lichtenbach’s bald -forehead. His visitor was a young and elegant ecclesiastic of -graceful and intelligent mien. He spoke with a southern accent, -which gave his voice a kind of hilarity in sound.</p> -<p>“It will be a very profitable undertaking. The property -we have in view has no value whatever at present, nothing but -waste land and marshes. The purchase will be effected in your -name, and when we have signed an emphyteutic lease with you, we -shall at once commence building. We want an advance of three -hundred thousand francs.”</p> -<p>“There will be no difficulty there,” said -Lichtenbach. “I have clients disposed to -lend—”</p> -<p><a name="page83"></a><span class="pagenum">p. -83</span>“You need not go very far, eh?” said the -young priest, with an ironical glance at the drawer of the desk, -over which the banker spread his formidable hands.</p> -<p>“No, Monsieur l’Abbé, not very far, indeed; -but, all the same, not here. It is a principle of mine never to -advance money on securities which cannot immediately be realized. -Now, the matter you have just been laying before me offers no -actual guarantee. But that does not matter. You wish me to find -the capital.”</p> -<p>“After all, this is the main point. Still, we have to -rely on others than yourself. These gentlemen will not place -their confidence lightly. They trust you, as they are certain of -you, but they would not listen to strangers.”</p> -<p>“These gentlemen, as usual, will only have to deal with -me,” said Lichtenbach, with deference. “I know what I -owe them, and they will always find me at their -service.”</p> -<p>“Then, as soon as the land is bought, and placed at our -disposal, we immediately commence excavations, which will reveal -the presence in the subsoil of the layers of ore I have been -speaking to you about. At a bound the value of the land will be -increased tenfold. You will sell back a small part of the ground, -and with the profits, without further expenditure, we shall have -paid for the establishment of our community.”</p> -<p>“If the tenor of the ore is such as you state, the -exploitation, once granted to a company, will bring you in large -revenues for several years.”</p> -<p>“That is what Monseigneur said on receiving the report -of the engineer who undertook the soundings. Oh! we need a great -deal of money to make the work a success,” sighed the young -priest. “Our religion is attacked with such violence that -if we do nothing but defend it we are lost. We must carry the war -into the enemy’s territory.”</p> -<p><a name="page84"></a><span class="pagenum">p. -84</span>“That is my own opinion, Monsieur -l’Abbé. As you see, my journal has zealously -undertaken the campaign.”</p> -<p>“Yes, it is doing good; but your <i>panache blanc</i> is -not sufficiently dogmatic as regards pure doctrine. Too much -space is given to speculation and business enterprise. Your -columns smack too much of the Bourse.”</p> -<p>“Monsieur l’Abbé,” replied Elias, -roughly, “I do not possess, as these gentlemen do, the art -of conducting business in a double-faced manner. But I will learn -from them.”</p> -<p>“Come, do not play the jesuit, my dear -Lichtenbach,” said the young priest, airily. “We -appreciate your services; that you have had proof of, and shall -have again. By-the-by, who is this wounded man we picked up -yesterday at Issy? The poor fellow was in a bad way. He came -under your recommendation.”</p> -<p>Elias turned pale. In tones of alarm he -exclaimed—“Not so loud! Monsieur -l’Abbé—not so loud! No one must suspect -that—”</p> -<p>“Oh! what a state you are in! Rest assured. The Superior -and myself alone were taken into the poor wretch’s -confidence. After all, he said very little. He was completely -exhausted by the efforts he had made in dragging himself to our -door. It was four o’clock in the morning, and the whole -brotherhood was at matins. It was, accordingly, possible to -introduce the wounded man without any one seeing him. It was -quite time, for, as soon as he was put to bed, he fainted -away.”</p> -<p>“Who is attending to him?”</p> -<p>“Our Superior himself; he has a thorough knowledge of -medicine. Besides, the arm was cut off as though by a -thermo-cautery, and all that had to be done was to dress the -wound. The man has given evidence of the most heroic courage. But -now he is ravaged by fever, and he speaks.”</p> -<p>“What does he say?”</p> -<p><a name="page85"></a><span class="pagenum">p. -85</span>“A most extraordinary mixture of things. He -mentions, in almost the same breath, a fortified camp in the -Vosges, and a war powder possessed of extraordinary virtues. His -object is to carry off the plans of the former, and obtain -possession of the formula of the latter.”</p> -<p>“Does he mention no names?”</p> -<p>“Yes, the name of a woman, whom he calls Sophia, and -sometimes the baroness. He consults and threatens her in turn. -She appears to be his accomplice in some underhand work or -other.”</p> -<p>“Has he expressed himself more clearly?”</p> -<p>“No, he beats about the bush, and it is impossible to -understand his meaning. After all, you have nothing to -fear.”</p> -<p>Elias gave a sigh of relief.</p> -<p>“Monsieur l’Abbé, I am not afraid for -myself, but for others. I am engaged in great international -relations, as you are aware. The interests entrusted to my care -represent not merely immense capital, but a great number of human -lives. It is accordingly my duty to be very prudent.”</p> -<p>The young priest gave a gesture of protest. His countenance -assumed a serious expression.</p> -<p>“I do not want to hear anything about it, M. -Lichtenbach. These gentlemen, as you are aware, are thorough -Frenchmen. Everything that happens beyond the frontiers is -foreign to them—I might almost say hostile. Outside of -France, which we love with deep and enlightened tenderness, and -wish to save from the corruption of revolution, we recognize only -the Pope, Sovereign of all Catholics, and our chief, whom we -blindly obey. Keep your secrets; we will respect them, as you are -serving us. But do not expect from us any help in the success of -enterprises which would not concur towards the triumph of the -cause to which we are devoted—monarchy and religion. In all -<a name="page86"></a><span class="pagenum">p. 86</span>else you -will find us neutral. That is all you may expect of -us.”</p> -<p>“Have you been commissioned to tell me this?” -asked Elias, in tones of anguish.</p> -<p>“No, my dear Lichtenbach; I was only to speak to you of -the ground purchase.”</p> -<p>“Thanks, Monsieur l’Abbé. Tell them I will -send my agent to-morrow to Grasse, to bring the matter to a -conclusion, and that before the month is over we shall be in -possession.”</p> -<p>“Very well!”</p> -<p>The young Abbé rose from his seat. He stopped, and, in -negligent tones, said—</p> -<p>“Ah! I was forgetting. Have you heard of that frightful -catastrophe which took place at Vanves? The explosion even shook -the buildings here at Issy. Were you not acquainted with this -General de Trémont?”</p> -<p>Lichtenbach looked paler and more sombre than ever, as he -replied stammeringly—</p> -<p>“Yes, Monsieur l’Abbé, I knew him a long -time ago.”</p> -<p>“It appears he was a dangerous maniac, dabbling with -chemical experiments which were destined to kill him in time. A -person of doubtful morality as well, according to public rumour, -and who, even at his advanced age, gave himself up to the most -degrading debauchery. He will not be missed. They say he was -assassinated and robbed, before his house blew up. That is what -comes of investigating in explosives! Well, <i>au revoir</i>, my -dear Lichtenbach. When you come to see the patient give me due -notice, and I will introduce you to him privately.”</p> -<p>Lichtenbach made no reply. He showed out his visitor with a -semblance of respectful humility. Then he bowed, as to a -superior, and said—</p> -<p><a name="page87"></a><span class="pagenum">p. -87</span>“Assure your friends, Monsieur -l’Abbé, of my devotion to their -interests.”</p> -<p>“Good! Though it is scarcely necessary,” replied -the young priest, carelessly; and, slowly descending the -staircase, he disappeared.</p> -<p>Lichtenbach, in thoughtful mood, returned to his study. It was -now almost dark. Where the Abbé had just been sitting, a -female form now sat stretched out in the armchair. A fresh, clear -voice said—</p> -<p>“It is as dark as in an oven here, Lichtenbach; let us -have a little light.”</p> -<p>“What! You are here, Baroness!” exclaimed the -banker, eagerly.</p> -<p>“Yes, I have just arrived. Was that the little -Abbé d’Escayrac you were just taking leave -of?”</p> -<p>Lichtenbach had turned on the electric light, bringing into -view the unceremonious visitor Elias had just called Baroness. -She was a light-complexioned young woman, of exceeding beauty, -with proud profile, blue eyes, intelligent forehead, though there -was an expression of harshness in her small mouth, with its -charming red lips, as well as in her strong chin. She was very -elegantly clothed in black, and wore a hooded lace cloak. Patent -leather shoes covered her charming feet.</p> -<p>“Have you been here long?” asked Elias -abstractedly.</p> -<p>“No, I have only just come, I say. Your servant showed -me into the salon, and I came in here when I heard your visitor -leave. Do not be uneasy, I was not listening to what he -said.”</p> -<p>“Oh! I have no need to be on my guard against -you.”</p> -<p>“Yes, you mistrust me, as you do every one else. I do -not blame you for it. It is a sign of prudence. Though, all the -same, you have nothing to fear from me, and neither have I from -you.”</p> -<p><a name="page88"></a><span class="pagenum">p. -88</span>“Oh! Baroness, you know that I belong to you, body -and soul,” exclaimed Lichtenbach.</p> -<p>“Yes, yes, and you would not be sorry if the converse -were true, would you?” interrupted the young woman, with a -mocking smile.</p> -<p>The banker’s pale face lit up with passion; he drew near -the Baroness, and, taking her hand within his own, -said—</p> -<p>“And yet, Sophia, if you would only—”</p> -<p>Withdrawing her hand, she tossed her head with an air of -disdain, and replied—</p> -<p>“Yes, but I will not, there!”</p> -<p>“Never?”</p> -<p>“Who can tell? If ever I am in great pecuniary -difficulties, perhaps I may apply to you. Would you advance me -money, Lichtenbach, if I needed any?”</p> -<p>As she spoke she looked at the banker with a bewitching glance -and a smile full of promise. The latter, as soon as mention was -made of money, regained possession of himself. Placing his hand -on her lap, he said, in a tone of assurance—</p> -<p>“I will give you as much as you need.”</p> -<p>“You undertake a great deal. Take care! After all, there -is no hurry; the time has not come yet.”</p> -<p>As she spoke, she drew back slightly from Lichtenbach’s -presence. The latter sighed—</p> -<p>“Ah, Sophia, you are a terrible flirt—your only -pleasure consists in making men mad.”</p> -<p>“I? You are dreaming, Lichtenbach. Have you ever seen me -trouble about any man unless it were to my interest to do so? And -yet you say such silly things. One would think you did not know -me!”</p> -<p>“On the contrary, I know you well. Even better than you -imagine, for there are portions of your short <a -name="page89"></a><span class="pagenum">p. 89</span>life-which, -all the same, has gone through so many sensations—which you -leave in a favourable light, so that I have understood them. You -are very clever and bold. I, too, am very tenacious and patient, -and have an instinctive knowledge of what it is useful for me to -know, as well as the means of obtaining information. Accordingly, -I am well aware what you are to-day, Baroness Grodsko. But I also -know what you were before.”</p> -<p>Sophia’s eyes flashed, and her lips contracted, giving -her face an aspect of terrible import. Looking boldly at Elias, -she said, dryly—</p> -<p>“Ah, ah! Tell me all about it. I should be very pleased -to know what you have learned about me. If it is true I will not -deny it, upon my honour I will not. If false you may stop the -wages of your informers. When one has spies in one’s pay -one should always try to have reliable and intelligent -ones.”</p> -<p>“Mine never deceive me; it is not to their interest to -lie.”</p> -<p>“We shall see about that. Well—”</p> -<p>“Well, before becoming the wife of Baron Elmer Grodsko, -a Hungarian nobleman, who quarrelled with his family in order to -marry you, you were dancing and singing at the theatre of -Belgrade, in a touring troupe, directed by an adventurer, half -villain, half rogue, named Valaque. It was there that Baron -Elmer, on his way from Varna, saw you, fell in love, and carried -you off, after shooting down Escovisco, who pursued him with a -poniard.”</p> -<p>The young woman’s lips quivered, as she said with a look -of disdain—</p> -<p>“Then that is all you know? You cannot go back any -further than the theatre of Belgrade, and the Escovisco affair? -You are making much ado about very little!”</p> -<p>“Oh! I was proceeding in order. I could go back <a -name="page90"></a><span class="pagenum">p. 90</span>further, and -tell you of the mysterious strange death of Madame Ferranti, a -charitable lady of Trieste, who had taken you, almost dead with -hunger, from the streets into her service. You were sixteen years -of age. Your benefactresses had a son. On the day his mother -died—she was said to have been poisoned, though there was -no definite proof of this—young Ferranti left home with -you, carrying off all the ready money, negotiable deeds, and -jewels of his dead mother. Was it you or he who gave Madame -Ferranti the cup of tea she drank before she fell asleep never to -wake again?”</p> -<p>“Indeed it was neither he nor I. It was an old servant, -who had been twenty years in their service. Besides, she -confessed it, and as there was no proof against her, nor against -any one else, she was released.”</p> -<p>“Whilst you set out for Venice, and had a pleasant time -with your companion. Ah! He had a fine way of mourning for his -mother, the young Ferranti! It was at the Café Florian, on -the Place Saint-Marc, that, one evening when he was drunk, the -young ninny picked a quarrel with an Austrian major, who, the -following morning, on the Lido, ran six inches of steel into his -body, killing him on the spot.”</p> -<p>“Quite true! Poor Ferranti! He was a handsome fellow, -who waltzed divinely, but was too fond of absinthe. It <i>was</i> -that which killed him, or rather the stoccata of Major -Bruzelow—a fine man, whose moustaches went almost round his -head, but as stupid as his sabre, and as dangerous. It was he who -forced me to leave Venice, where I was enjoying myself so well! I -could not even speak to a man without the Major challenging him. -He would have called out the whole town; I was obliged to -go.”</p> -<p>“The Austrian police had something to do with it, had -they not?”</p> -<p><a name="page91"></a><span class="pagenum">p. -91</span>“I have always hated the Tedeschi, and they have -always paid me back in the same coin!”</p> -<p>“So that you cannot return to Austria, even -now?”</p> -<p>“No, all by reason of that fool of a Grodsko.”</p> -<p>“And what has become of this excellent Grodsko, who -broke his mother’s heart all for your sake?”</p> -<p>“The excellent Grodsko spends the summer in Vienna, and -the winter at Monte Carlo. Both winter and summer he gambles to -pass the time, and when he has lost he drowns his disappointment -in drink.”</p> -<p>“Does he always lose?”</p> -<p>“Yes, so he is always drinking.”</p> -<p>“Here are a few corpses already, if I know how to count, -to your credit, without mentioning the grief, despair, and shame -of others. You have lived a very exciting life, though you have -scarcely yet reached the age of thirty.”</p> -<p>“I was twenty-eight last week,” rectified the -Baroness, coldly.</p> -<p>“You have trampled on humanity as on a carpet to gain -your objects: luxury, pleasure, domination. And here you are -to-day more brilliant, better loved, and more powerful than ever, -with a strength of will which shrinks before nothing, and a -conscience ready for anything. Am I right?”</p> -<p>She looked boldly at Lichtenbach, then, drawing from her -pocket a cigarette-case of chased silver, she took out an -Oriental cigarette, which she lit with perfect coolness; then she -replied in gentle tones—</p> -<p>“Quite right, though incomplete. I am far more to be -dreaded than you imagine. You are well aware of it, but are -afraid of displeasing me by depicting me as I really am. You are -in the wrong. I have such a scorn for mankind that you cannot vex -me by declaring me to be ready to profit by it, as though it were -a piece of merchandise. In my opinion, men are no more -interesting <a name="page92"></a><span class="pagenum">p. -92</span>than cattle destined for slaughter. They serve to feed -and enrich me; it is for that they toil and die. Apparently, it -is their function, since they cannot escape this fate, and as -soon as one disappears another offers to replace him. Are you -going to say that I am a destroying flail? Possibly. All over the -world there are beings born for work, sacrifice, and suffering; -as there are others born irremediably for idleness, egoism, and -enjoyment. It is nature which has made it so. To some instinct -manifests itself, leading to servitude, to others leading to -tyranny. Beings exploited and exploiting, beasts of burden and -beasts of prey. Is not that the sole social classification -founded on common sense? Look all around you, Lichtenbach, it is -an invariable rule: a flock of simpletons led away, fleeced, and -strangled by a few audacious individuals. Will you reproach me -for being of the number of those who strangle, rather than of -those who fleece? We are both at the same game, Lichtenbach; the -only difference is, I am bold enough to confess it, whilst you -are hypocritical enough to say nothing. Our object is the -same—the exploitation of the human race for our greatest -mutual profit and pleasure. There you are! If I am wrong, prove -it to me now.”</p> -<p>She had spoken without raising her voice, and the calm tone in -which these terrible theories had been expounded as they came -from that charming mouth formed so strange a contrast with the -ferocious cynicism of the confession that Lichtenbach, who, -although he appeared to have no illusions left concerning his -beautiful and dangerous partner, was placed for a moment out of -countenance. He had very few scruples, this trafficker in all -kinds of goods, who had commenced by despoiling his country in -its hour of trial, and who continued speculating on social -poverty and infamy. But now he found himself confronted by a -creature more audacious and violent, if not more redoubtable, -than himself, And he <a name="page93"></a><span -class="pagenum">p. 93</span>weighed in imagination the perils she -might make him incur and the advantages she could bring him. This -beautiful, intelligent, and unscrupulous woman was an admirable -instrument. He knew what she was capable of, but he had no wish -to run so great a risk as she ran without any need. The -adventures which offered the Baroness Sophia her most certain -means of existence were not open to him; other matters, those of -a man on the eve of becoming a Deputy, perhaps a Minister, and -those of this industrial cosmopolity, coining money with filth -and blood. His coolness returned. He had said too much that was -foolish at the beginning of the conversation. The time had come -to mitigate the confidence of the beautiful Sophia, and to give -her to understand that, between herself and himself, their -existed a stout barrier of respectability and of millions of -francs.</p> -<p>“On the whole, my dear Baroness,” he said, -“there is some truth in what you have just said, though -your manner of explaining yourself is rather exotic. Your pompous -and declamatory cynicism is of the Orient. All you have declared -a few moments ago may be summed up in a very few words; human -inequality is unchangeable. There are fools and rogues. The first -are exploited by the second, under the surveillance of the police -and the control of the law. In your theory, you have not granted -sufficient importance to police and law. I could not recommend -you too strongly to pay more attention to them. They are one of -the most important factors in the problem you are spending your -life in solving. If you consider them as a neglectable quantity, -one of these mornings you will receive a rude -awakening.”</p> -<p>She smiled disdainfully—</p> -<p>“The small fish are caught in the meshes of the net, the -large ones break through and escape. I am afraid of no thing or -person except myself. I alone am capable of <a -name="page94"></a><span class="pagenum">p. 94</span>doing myself -any harm. That, of course, I never think of doing.”</p> -<p>“Not just now. But you have gone through moments of -anxiety. I heard that in London two years ago.”</p> -<p>A dark cloud came over Sophia’s brow. She suddenly flung -her cigarette into the fire, and in changed accents, -said—</p> -<p>“Yes, I have committed acts of folly, for I was in love. -And a woman in love becomes as stupid as a man.”</p> -<p>“The object of your affections was an actor, I believe, -the handsome Stevenson?”</p> -<p>“Yes, Richard Stevenson, the rival of Irving.”</p> -<p>“You were madly in love with him, but he played you -false. Accordingly, one evening you found means to entice your -rival on board a yacht you had hired, lying at anchor on the -Thames. Since that time she was never heard of.”</p> -<p>“Ah! You are acquainted with that anecdote? Indeed you -have been well informed. Do you also know that Stevenson, to whom -in a fit of madness I had said that he would never see her again, -beat me with his cane, and left me almost dead on the -spot?”</p> -<p>“The stick presented to him by the Prince of Wales, -doubtless. You must have felt highly flattered. It did not -prevent you two days later from going to the Empire, and cheering -your brutal persecutor.”</p> -<p>“Yes, I loved the wretch; but now, luckily, all that is -over.”</p> -<p>Lichtenbach burst into a laugh.</p> -<p>“What have you done with the handsome Cesare -Agostini?”</p> -<p>“Ah! He forms a mere pastime for me. I must interest -myself in some one or other. That is no passion at -all.”</p> -<p>“All the same, he costs you a great deal, I -suppose?”</p> -<p><a name="page95"></a><span class="pagenum">p. -95</span>“Enormous sums! These Italians are terrible -spendthrifts. This one knows one good way of making money, and -ten better ways of spending it. In the first place, he is a -gambler, and then, he cannot see a fine ring without buying it. -But then, he has a few good qualities. He is no novice at either -pistol or sword.”</p> -<p>“He is simply a bravo.”</p> -<p>“At your service, if there is any one you wish to be rid -of.”</p> -<p>“Is he bold and intrepid?”</p> -<p>“Yes; but, above all, to be relied on. Try him, you will -be well satisfied.”</p> -<p>Lichtenbach’s countenance grew dark, as it always did -every time a subject was mentioned which did not please him, and -he said in arrogant tones—</p> -<p>“Much obliged, but I do not deal in drama; comedy is -sufficient for me.”</p> -<p>“Ah! You’re fond of a joke. You are still one of -those good apostles who insinuate a crime, have it executed, and -then exclaim in candid tones, ‘I have had nothing to do -with it!’ Have you had nothing to do with this affair at -Vanves, I should like to know?”</p> -<p>This time Elias became quite angry.</p> -<p>“Silence! What are you thinking of to cry out in such a -loud voice? Are we the only ones in the house?”</p> -<p>She burst into a laugh.</p> -<p>“Well, well! You amuse me! For an hour you have been -telling me my own history, without the slightest precaution, and -when I make the slightest allusion to your’s you tremble -with fear. You do not mind compromising me, but not yourself. -Very kind of you.”</p> -<p>“My daughter is here, and I have no -wish—”</p> -<p>“For her to know you under your real aspect. For you are -a regular scoundrel, Lichtenbach, and of the very worst <a -name="page96"></a><span class="pagenum">p. 96</span>kind, one who -wishes to keep up appearances, even with one’s accomplices. -Do you think you can deceive me, eh? Your jesuitism has no affect -on me; I am well acquainted with your lubricity. In the whole -world there is no more villainous character than yourself, and -yet you wish to be taken for a man of honour and -virtue!”</p> -<p>Lichtenbach, pale with fear and anger, exclaimed—</p> -<p>“Baroness! Really, you wish to throw me into a -passion.”</p> -<p>“Oh no, no! Now I will be very nice with you. Listen, my -voice is a mere whisper. Lean over and listen. I need a hundred -thousand francs to-night, to have Hans carried off to Geneva. He -can bear the journey now. Cesare has gone to see him.”</p> -<p>“Do you think he will survive?” asked -Lichtenbach.</p> -<p>“Yes. That vexes you? You would rather be well rid of -him? Calm yourself, he would bite off his tongue rather than -betray a companion. Besides, what does he know? That your -interests were the same as ours, and that, had he found the -formula for the explosive for commerce, you would have paid as -much for them as those for whom we are working would have paid -for the war explosive. The <i>coup</i> missed. Hans is maimed. -But, thanks to me, you are free from all suspicion.”</p> -<p>Looking calmly at Elias, she said—</p> -<p>“A hundred thousand francs, on account.”</p> -<p>“On account?”</p> -<p>“Yes, on account. And do not waste any time. General de -Trémont, whom you hated so strongly, has been killed for -you. How much would you give for Baradier and Graff.”</p> -<p>“Nothing, nothing!” groaned Lichtenbach. -“What crimes are these you are laying to my account? That I -desired the death of General de Trémont and am anxious <a -name="page97"></a><span class="pagenum">p. 97</span>to harm -Baradier and Graff? You are wandering! It is sheer madness! -Certainly they are my enemies, and have done me a great deal of -harm. But, commit a crime on that account! Never, never! If they -were to die, ah! I should consider it as a divine providence, but -hasten their last moments by a single hour or minute, I, great -God!”</p> -<p>“Of Abraham, of Jacob, and of Moses! Yes, my fine -renegade! My good Lichtenbach!” said the Baroness, with a -look of scorn. “Yes, you are quite ready to accept the -favours of providence, incarnated under the features of the -Baroness Grodsko, but you will not take the initiative yourself. -Hypocrisy again! You ask for nothing, but you accept all! Well, -your unuttered prayer shall be granted!”</p> -<p>“Baroness! In the name of God, do not compromise me. Do -not proceed without instructions.”</p> -<p>“Ah, ah! How terrified you are. You remind me of old -Trémont when I handled his chemical products after -dessert. ‘Don’t touch that, it is deadly!’ he -would say. Meanwhile, I tried to take in wax the impress of the -lock of the iron casket, which Hans succeeded in opening, but -which cost him his arm. And all for nothing. The box exploded, -and destroyed the secret in the midst of the flames. But some one -has this secret, and I must find it out. Whatever it cost I will -obtain possession of it!”</p> -<p>“What have you been promised for it?”</p> -<p>She looked at him, with a laugh.</p> -<p>“You are very inquisitive! Don’t think I shall -tell you, however. Professional pride apart—for, after all, -one does not care to fail in a mission of this -importance—the affair is worth all the trouble I am taking. -Meanwhile, my hundred thousand francs!”</p> -<p>Lichtenbach opened a drawer, took out ten bundles of -bank-notes, and held them out to the Baroness.</p> -<p><a name="page98"></a><span class="pagenum">p. -98</span>“Here they are.”</p> -<p>“Thanks. Now, Lichtenbach, what would you say if it were -young Marcel Baradier who was the depository of old -Trémont’s formulæ?”</p> -<p>Elias sat up with renewed interest.</p> -<p>“What! What makes you think—”</p> -<p>“Ah, ah! Cannibal, you have just smelt human flesh, and -have become quite young again in consequence.”</p> -<p>“Baroness, you will kill me with anguish.”</p> -<p>“Ah! Yes, you look as though you would die, indeed! -Hate, Lichtenbach, hate is a far stronger sentiment than love, is -it not?”</p> -<p>He made no reply. The only thing that was now of importance to -him was the supposition Sophia had just given utterance to. He -saw nothing, except that the son of his deadly enemy might -possibly be in possession of this secret they were so anxious to -fathom. If only it were possible! Suppose chance were to give him -the opportunity of crushing the very people he hated with all his -soul, and, at the same time, depriving them of a fortune. He -asked the Baroness in eager tones—</p> -<p>“What makes you think the General took Marcel Baradier -into his confidence?”</p> -<p>“In the first place, they saw one another constantly; -the young man was admitted into his laboratory, a most -exceptional favour. I know well he worked there with -Trémont, who had entire confidence in him. However -mysterious a man may be, however close and sullen, a fatal hour -is sure to come, when he is forced to unburden himself. The -General would never have imparted his plans to a man, even to his -best friend, for he was as cunning as a fox. But, after dinner, -with a good cigar between his lips, he felt strongly impelled to -dazzle me, and as he could not do this either by his youth or his -beauty, he attempted to <a name="page99"></a><span -class="pagenum">p. 99</span>win me over by his genius. In this -way, on different occasions, he let slip several small incidents, -which, collected and coordinated by a good memory, form a -certainty.”</p> -<p>“Then all is not lost?”</p> -<p>“Nothing is ever lost.”</p> -<p>“Then what are you going to do, Baroness?”</p> -<p>“You shall know when it is to my interest to tell -you.”</p> -<p>“You have no confidence in me?”</p> -<p>“Under what pretext should I have confidence in you? I -know you only too well. You will serve me until the time comes -when you find it more to your advantage to throw me -over.”</p> -<p>“I!”</p> -<p>“You, Elias Lichtenbach; but that is all the same to -me—I hold you now.”</p> -<p>“Do you hope to succeed?”</p> -<p>“I always hope to succeed. Look at me now, -please.”</p> -<p>She threw back her head with a movement of voluptuous grace, -which seemed to intensify her beauty a hundred-fold. She smiled, -and her eyes and lips assumed an expression of passionate ardour, -which sent a thrill through the veins of Lichtenbach. Who could -resist this creature’s imperious power? She well knew the -extent of her charm. At a sign from her men became changed into -slaves. She was the magician who loosened human passions and -appetites, and led lost creatures to folly, shame, and crime.</p> -<p>“Yes; you will succeed in whatever you undertake,” -murmured Lichtenbach, fascinated by her charm.</p> -<p>“No exaggeration! I am not infallible, as you know, -since Trémont escaped me. Still, I will do everything a -human being can do to succeed. Have confidence, and keep calm, -that is all I ask.”</p> -<p>A rolling of wheels was heard under the carriage gate, <a -name="page100"></a><span class="pagenum">p. 100</span>and a -trampling of horses’ hoofs announced the return of -Mademoiselle Lichtenbach.</p> -<p>“It is my daughter returning,” said the -banker.</p> -<p>“Then she is at home for the present?”</p> -<p>“She wished to assist at the funeral of the General de -Trémont, whose daughter is a friend of hers.”</p> -<p>A smile flitted across the lips of the Baroness.</p> -<p>“Chance or precaution?”</p> -<p>“Chance,” said Lichtenbach, coldly. “They -are both at the Sacre-Coeur. They found themselves thrown -together, and a mutual attachment sprang up.”</p> -<p>“And now that you know of it, you encourage this -intimacy?”</p> -<p>“I never oppose my daughter.”</p> -<p>“That is true; I forgot. You are a good father, -Lichtenbach. It is the last concession you have made to humanity. -And it is there that you are still vulnerable. Take -care!”</p> -<p>“My daughter is an angel, who prays for me. I dread -nothing. She has her mother’s goodness and -grace.”</p> -<p>“And she imagines you to be a good and honourable -father. Suppose the day were to come when her eyes were opened -about yourself?”</p> -<p>Elias stood upright in threatening attitude.</p> -<p>“Who could do that?”</p> -<p>“One of your enemies; you do not lack them now. Perhaps -a friend; the world is so wicked.”</p> -<p>“His boldness would cost him dear!” growled -Lichtenbach.</p> -<p>The Baroness arose. She walked about the room for a few -seconds, as though undecided to leave. Then she asked—</p> -<p>“Before I go, could I see your daughter?”</p> -<p>Lichtenbach looked steadily at her, then he replied -rudely—</p> -<p><a name="page101"></a><span class="pagenum">p. -101</span>“No.”</p> -<p>“Why not?”</p> -<p>“Because it is useless.”</p> -<p>“Are you afraid that I shall corrupt her by speaking a -few words to her?”</p> -<p>“Perhaps.”</p> -<p>“Bravo! Well, you are frank now, at any rate.”</p> -<p>Lichtenbach raised himself to his full height, and, repaying -Sophia in a single moment for all the insolent expressions she -had been so prodigal with the last hour, said—</p> -<p>“Mademoiselle Lichtenbach can have nothing in common -with the Baroness Grodsko.”</p> -<p>Sophia gave a gesture of indifference.</p> -<p>“Very well. As you please. <i>Au revoir</i>, -Lichtenbach.”</p> -<p>She was going in the direction of the hall when he stopped -her.</p> -<p>“Not that way.”</p> -<p>Opening a door, concealed behind some folds of tapestry, he -said—</p> -<p>“Go down this staircase, you will meet no -one.”</p> -<p>“There is no trap-dungeon at the bottom?” she -asked, laughingly.</p> -<p>“No; there is only the concierge’s -room.”</p> -<p>“Adieu. No ill will?”</p> -<p>“I should think not; you ought to be well satisfied. You -carry away with you indulgences to the extent of a hundred -thousand francs. <i>Au revoir</i>.”</p> -<p>She disappeared. He returned to his desk in dreamy mood. This -woman, so dangerous and depraved, always disturbed him, though he -knew her well.</p> -<p>A knock at the door threw him from his reverie. Rising to open -it, an expression of pleasure came into his face. It was his -daughter, who had come to see him.</p> -<p><a name="page102"></a><span class="pagenum">p. -102</span>“Am I not disturbing you?” she asked, with -a shade of uneasiness in her voice.</p> -<p>“No, my darling, you never disturb me. Have you had a -pleasant visit?”</p> -<p>“Very pleasant. They were all very kind to -me.”</p> -<p>Lichtenbach said nothing; his eyes fell on the ground. He did -not wish his daughter to catch their expression.</p> -<p>“Madeline is very fortunate to find such devoted friends -in her trouble. Madame Baradier is an excellent lady. She is -going to keep the poor girl with them. Although I am very sorry -she is leaving the convent, since we shall be separated in -future, I am very glad to know that she has found such good -friends. It will be like a renewal of life for her.”</p> -<p>“You are so sympathetic, my little Marianne.”</p> -<p>“The blow which has struck Madeline is so terrible. Can -anything more terrible happen to a child than to lose its -parents? And when one has no longer one’s mother, as was -the case with both of us.”</p> -<p>The young girl’s voice shook, tears stood in her eyes. -Lichtenbach turned pale, but kept his eyes still fixed on the -ground.</p> -<p>“It was this similarity of situation which, from the -very first day, drew us together. Our common sorrow has been the -source of our affection. It seemed to us that, as we were less -loved than the rest we ought to be all the dearer to one another. -She had for her father the same affection I have for you. It -seems he was a great <i>savant</i>. Did you know him?”</p> -<p>He was obliged to reply. In tremulous tones he -said—“No; I have only heard mention of -him.”</p> -<p>“He was a very close friend of M. Baradier, and the -godfather of his son Marcel. They all bewail his loss.”</p> -<p>Lichtenbach raised his eyes from the ground; he looked at his -daughter with keen look—</p> -<p><a name="page103"></a><span class="pagenum">p. -103</span>“Who has told you all this?”</p> -<p>“Madame Baradier and Madeline.”</p> -<p>“You have spoken to Mademoiselle Baradier?”</p> -<p>“Yes; and to her mother as well.”</p> -<p>“And the son also, perhaps?”</p> -<p>The sudden harshness of tone in Lichtenbach’s questions -troubled Marianne. She stopped astonished—</p> -<p>“But, papa, I assure you, everybody was exceedingly kind -to me. M. Marcel Baradier accompanied me right to the carriage. -Was it not quite natural?”</p> -<p>“Yes, yes, perfectly natural. Repeat to me all they said -to you. Did they make no mention of me?”</p> -<p>“Not once. Your name was not even pronounced. I was -surprised at that, for the Baradier family must know you. You -formerly lived in the same town.”</p> -<p>“Yes, we lived in the same town, and left it together. -But we did not travel the same road. For, I ought to tell you, -there was no friendship between us. My father and the Graffs had -been hostile to one another. Graff is Baradier’s -brother-in-law.”</p> -<p>“But all this happened so long ago that it is doubtless -forgotten.”</p> -<p>“No, my dear girl,” said Elias, solemnly. -“Nothing is forgotten.”</p> -<p>“So you are not well disposed towards Madeline’s -friends?”</p> -<p>“Had I been ill disposed, should I have permitted you to -call on them?”</p> -<p>“Then it is they who wish you ill? That must be unjust -on their part, for you are so good and kind. There must be some -misunderstanding, and you do not know one another -sufficiently.”</p> -<p>“It is not so, my child. We have long known one another -very well, and have always been opposed to one <a -name="page104"></a><span class="pagenum">p. 104</span>another. -You are grown up now, and in a position to learn what life has in -store for you. Very well! From the Baradiers and Graffs you have -nothing favourable to expect. Every time you have dealings with -them be on your guard. I had made up my mind to enlighten you -some day on the situation this inveterate hostility has created -between us. To-day is as good a time as any. I permitted you to -enter the house which has received Mademoiselle de Trémont -that you might not be in a position to accuse me of having -concealed from you the least fraction of truth. Now you have seen -the Baradiers, and you are convinced that I can treat with them -on equal terms. Your grandfather Lichtenbach suffered a great -deal at their hands in days gone by. He was an honest man, who -commenced life in a very humble way. They humiliated and tortured -him. When I was a poor little trader they spread abroad all kinds -of calumny and slander about me. But I repaid them for all their -insolence to old Lichtenbach. All this happened before we had -left Lorraine—long before you were born. Still, this kind -of hatred leaves an almost indestructible ferment in the heart. -Whatever goes back to days of childhood and youth remains graven -more firmly in the memory than things that happen in mature life. -The Baradiers and Graffs came to Paris, so did I at a later date. -We have been separated by life more completely than by immense -distances, for in this great city, from street to street, quarter -to quarter, one is more separated than from province to province. -And yet, we have never forgotten the past. The Baradiers and -Graffs are the inveterate enemies of the Lichtenbachs. Keep that -well in your mind, my child, and let it be the rule of your -conduct under every circumstance in life.”</p> -<p>Marianne looked at her father uneasily.</p> -<p>“Then you wish me to espouse your quarrel?”</p> -<p>“God forbid! I love you too well to endanger your <a -name="page105"></a><span class="pagenum">p. 105</span>peace of -mind, and I will do all I can to protect you from anything which -might cause you pain and suffering. I have opened your eyes, for -you must know how to discern, at a given moment, the causes of -certain events, and the bearing of certain expressions. Leave to -me the responsibility of assuring your security and -happiness.”</p> -<p>“Can I go and see Madeline again?”</p> -<p>“Why should you? If you do not call on her what will -prevent her coming to see you?”</p> -<p>“I shall be at the convent.”</p> -<p>“Not for ever.”</p> -<p>The young girl gave her father a beseeching look as she -said—</p> -<p>“Ah! If you would only let me stay with you, how pleased -I should be.”</p> -<p>Lichtenbach’s face lit up with an expression of joy and -gladness.</p> -<p>“What would you do here?” he asked good -humouredly.</p> -<p>“I would keep the house for you. There is great need of -it, though I do not wish to criticize. A woman would not leave -this fine mansion in so gloomy and so dismal-looking a condition. -So little would be needed to arrange the rooms so as to make them -comfortable and agreeable. Besides, you could devote yourself -entirely to your own work, and you would see how much better -everything would go. It is not a man’s <i>rôle</i> to -give orders to servants. Would you not like to have some one -about you who would ever be affectionately on the watch to attend -to your every need and comfort? I am eighteen years old now; they -no longer know what to teach me at the convent. Very soon it will -be I who will be giving lessons to the pupils. Have I been born -into the world to be a teacher at the Sacre-Cœur? You have -a daughter; she does not belong to others, she is your own. Why -don’t you keep her to yourself?”</p> -<p><a name="page106"></a><span class="pagenum">p. 106</span>As -she spoke she flung her arms round him and pressed him to her -breast, so that the paternal instinct of Elias warmed gently -under the influence of her fond caresses. This man, harsh-natured -and ferocious as he was, became filled with generous and tender -sentiments as his child looked down upon him. A sigh escaped his -lips.</p> -<p>“If I were to listen to you, should I not be doing -something very imprudent? One should be alone and untrammelled if -he wishes to remain strong and safe.”</p> -<p>“But what are you afraid of? To listen to you one would -imagine you were in a state of war with enemies lying in ambush -for you. Is life so full of dangers? Is there no protection in -this world from one’s foes?”</p> -<p>Elias smiled.</p> -<p>“Simple upright minds never see anything threatening to -be afraid of. They are blind. But sagacious observers look at -everything with anxious, uneasy eyes, and see danger all around. -Look at the sea; at the first glance all you can distinguish will -be an immense sheet of water, azure-blue, the mirror of the sky, -furrowed all over by vessels, and troubled by the winds. Then -lean over, and try to pierce the ocean’s deep bed, and you -will see frightful reefs, whose existence you never suspected, -and terrible monsters ever on the watch. <i>Débris</i> and -wrecks, the lamentable remains of ships and seamen, will prove to -you that danger is ever present, that catastrophes are everyday -events, and to avoid them, unceasing attention and prudence are -needed. It is the same with society, which you believe -trustworthy, and with life, which you judge so easy. The surface -is smooth and attractive, but beneath everything is monstrous and -terrifying. Still, I am here to watch over you, do not be uneasy. -By my side you will be sheltered from danger, and as you wish to -stay at home, my dear child, you shall do so. Your presence will -be a consolation and a joy to me in the decline of -life.”</p> -<p><a name="page107"></a><span class="pagenum">p. -107</span>Holding out his arms, she threw herself on his breast -with a cry of gratitude. Lichtenbach, rather ashamed at having -given way to such tender emotions, said briefly—</p> -<p>“Well, that is settled. I will send to the convent for -your wardrobe and all your belongings, and you shall settle down -here at once.”</p> -<p>“Oh, my dear father, it would scarcely be worth while to -take back the few garments I have; they may be disposed of in -charity. There are only a few personal souvenirs I should like to -keep. You will give me some money, will you not, as a present for -these excellent nuns who have taken such good care of -me?”</p> -<p>“But you are rich, my darling,” said Elias, with a -smile. “You have your mother’s fortune, which has -been accumulating interest. Besides, I must give up my accounts -to you.”</p> -<p>Marianne went up to her father, and, kissing him tenderly, -said—</p> -<p>“This will serve as a receipt for everything!”</p> -<h3><a name="page108"></a><span class="pagenum">p. -108</span>CHAPTER V</h3> -<p>M. <span class="smcap">Mayeur</span>, examining magistrate, -was seated in his study, near the fireplace, whilst his clerk, in -listless mood, was engaged in questioning one of the agents, -charged with investigating the Vanves affair. M. Mayeur was -terribly bored; he was accustomed to carry through sensational -affairs, without giving himself much trouble. The results were -obtained with regularity, and as though by enchantment. Chance -seemed to favour him, and he was reputed to be the luckiest judge -on the bench. He had become accustomed to his good fortune, so, -when the Vanves affair had been placed in his hands, he gave a -smile of satisfaction and confidence, whilst his clerk, rubbing -together his hands, with a look of pity for the culprits, -said—</p> -<p>“We shall not need to spend much time over this -matter!”</p> -<p>And yet matters were dragging along slowly. For a whole week, -M. Mayeur had multiplied his investigations, sent out detective -after detective, summoned witnesses, and fulfilled judicial -commissions. Nothing came of it all. As he expressed it, he was -moving about in a thick fog, from which he could not escape. -Every evening the Government agent sent for him, and asked in -satirical accents—</p> -<p>“Well, Mayeur, where are we now?”</p> -<p>And the magistrate, accustomed as he was to success, found -himself obliged to reply—</p> -<p><a name="page109"></a><span class="pagenum">p. -109</span>“Ah, sir, we are still on the look-out, but we -have found nothing yet.”</p> -<p>“Ah, ah! The deuce! A week already flown since the crime -was committed. Your chances are diminishing. In proportion as -time passes, false tracks appear, and the scent becomes fainter. -I expected a better result from you! As a rule, your inspiration -is clearer.”</p> -<p>“But there is nothing whatever to take hold of—not -the slightest clue in the cursed affair!”</p> -<p>“What! Nothing? You have the corpse of the victim, the -house in ruins, and the arm of the assassin! What are you doing -with this latter? It ought to reveal something.”</p> -<p>“For the present it is in the frigorific -apparatus,” growled M. Mayeur. “But neither corpse, -nor house, nor arm gives me the slightest results. An evil genius -seems to have passed over everything, carrying with it death and -mutilation, and leaving nothing behind. It is enough to drive one -mad!”</p> -<p>“Gently, Mayeur, keep a cool head, whatever happens. -Persevere. You have been spoiled by success, but do not be -discouraged; at any moment light may flash on the whole affair, -and clear up everything.”</p> -<p>What caused M. Mayeur the greatest chagrin was that he was -perfectly aware of the secret pleasure his want of success gave -all his colleagues. A magistrate who had failed in so important -an investigation; how could he expect to be nominated to the -Assize Court, contrary to all normal promotion, if he had no -longer his invariable good luck as his supreme justification? -And, seated in his study, with his back to the light, looking -vacantly into the fire, whilst his clerk ran the risk of -dislocating his jaw with too much gaping, M. Mayeur, to satisfy -his conscience, in mournful accents, questioned one of his -agents, who had returned after a fruitless search.</p> -<p><a name="page110"></a><span class="pagenum">p. -110</span>“So there was no trace of the wounded man having -passed through the cottage gardens, nor on the road to -Paris?”</p> -<p>“No, sir. I have visited all the inns frequented by the -quarrymen and gardeners of the district. No one could give me any -definite information. One would imagine the murderer had been -annihilated by the explosion itself.”</p> -<p>“Nothing of the kind! He was tracked to within three -hundred paces from the Trémont property, and there a trail -of blood, quite visible, which he had left all the way, suddenly -disappeared. Did he, at that spot, find his accomplices waiting -for him? Was he carried off? How and where? Nothing but darkness -and obscurity!”</p> -<p>“Those who committed the crime are not professional -thieves, although the General has been robbed of objects of value -he carried on his person. Accordingly, they will not be found so -easily. That is where the whole difficulty comes in.”</p> -<p>The magistrate gave a gesture of discontent, as though to -signify that he knew all that. Stroking his beard, he said, with -a sigh—</p> -<p>“You may go now. Send me Baudoin, the General’s -servant, whom I have sent for afresh.”</p> -<p>The agent bowed, and left the room. A moment after the door -opened again, and the valet’s resolute, intelligent face -appeared. He already sympathized with the clerk, who gave him a -friendly nod. The magistrate said, in sulky tones—</p> -<p>“Take a seat, M. Baudoin. I have disturbed you once -more, with the object of explaining certain details which I find -incomprehensible.”</p> -<p>“Do not apologize, sir; it is no disturbance if it is -for anything concerning the General. Ah! I should only be too -happy if I could give you any efficient help in your -task!”</p> -<p><a name="page111"></a><span class="pagenum">p. 111</span>How -could this servant throw light on a mystery which he, Mayeur, -could not succeed in unravelling? Well, it could not be helped. -The clerk seemed overjoyed at his master’s humiliation. He -had been worrying him long enough with his lack of capacity. A -striking failure would make him less self-confident, and he would -be a little more indulgent towards his subordinate, whom he -always appeared to look upon as an imbecile. Fume away, my good -master! That will not help you much. And the clerk gave another -mighty yawn.</p> -<p>“This woman you saw leave the carriage at the door of -the house—was she tall or short?”</p> -<p>“Rather tall. But as she was wrapped in a large mantle I -could not say precisely. By the way in which she descended from -the carriage, I should imagine she was rather slender in -build.”</p> -<p>“And her companion?”</p> -<p>“Oh! her companion; I saw him distinctly. He was a -strong man, with a thick beard, light-complexioned, and brutal in -appearance. He wore a grey felt hat and a dark suit. His accent -was foreign, and—”</p> -<p>“Do you think it is the man your master called -Hans?” asked the magistrate.</p> -<p>“It could be no one else. The General received no one, -except his friends, Messieurs Baradier and Graff. The people who -came on different occasions at night to the villa must have been -regular villains for him not to permit me to stay with -him.”</p> -<p>“What do you consider the reason of this precaution on -the part of M. de Trémont?”</p> -<p>“The fact that he would see me trying to fathom the -plots of this lady and her acolyte.”</p> -<p>“Then, in your opinion, it is a feminine intrigue which -is at the root of the matter?”</p> -<p><a name="page112"></a><span class="pagenum">p. -112</span>“Apparently, yes.”</p> -<p>“And in reality?”</p> -<p>“It was their object to steal from the General his -formulæ for the manufacture of his new powders.”</p> -<p>“Then the woman was only an intermediary?”</p> -<p>“An intermediary, no. They well knew the General would -never consent to a bargain. A bait, yes. I did not see the woman, -but every time she came she left the General’s study -impregnated with a peculiar perfume of a very captivating odour. -Oh! I should recognize it amongst a hundred! The woman’s -voice, too, was caressing and seductive. Ah! my poor master! She -knew what power she had over him. That woman was capable of -anything—of driving mad a brave warm-hearted man like my -master, of pouring over him the poison of her looks and smiles, -and having him cruelly killed for some cause I know nothing of. -As for the man Hans, he was only an agent—a well-informed -man, for the General respected his opinions, and could speak with -him of his discoveries, but not of the same social position as -his accomplice. He was an ordinary, even a rough individual. The -woman’s prestige must have been demanded to have had him -received by M. de Trémont, who was so -aristocratic.”</p> -<p>“And you could never find out, by means of the cook, who -remained in the house, what took place when you had left the -house?”</p> -<p>“No, she was of a very dull intellect. Outside of her -work, there was very little to be obtained from her. That is the -reason M. de Trémont had no cause to mistrust her. All the -same, she saw the woman on several occasions, and told me that -she was a miracle of beauty—young, light-complexioned, with -eyes that would have damned a saint. She spoke with the General -in a foreign language. Now the General could only speak English -and Italian.”</p> -<p><a name="page113"></a><span class="pagenum">p. -113</span>“Was your master rich?”</p> -<p>“No, sir, he had a very modest fortune—about -twenty thousand francs income. But his discoveries were very -valuable. And it was these the woman was aiming at. In all -probability, whilst she was with the General, her accomplice was -examining the papers and searching among the products.”</p> -<p>“You never found any paper dealing with the relations of -the General with this woman?”</p> -<p>“Never.”</p> -<p>“What became of the telegrams the General received -telling him of the arrival of his visitors?”</p> -<p>“The General burnt them himself. I saw him do it. Ah! -Every precaution was taken by my brave master not to compromise -the fair Baroness. God knows how he loved her! He trembled like a -student at the idea of seeing her!”</p> -<p>“And yet he never gave up to her the secret of his -discoveries?”</p> -<p>Baudoin’s face became serious.</p> -<p>“Ah! He was reserving his secret for France. I heard him -say so more than once, after an experiment which satisfied him: -‘Baudoin, my good fellow, when our artillery has this -powder, we shall no longer be afraid of any one.’ Certainly -the General was passionately fond of this woman. But he loved his -country far more, and between the two, he did not hesitate. -Besides, that was certainly the cause of his death. They could -not succeed in taking his secret by fair means, so they attempted -to obtain possession of it by force.”</p> -<p>The clerk had ceased yawning; he was listening to Baudoin with -sympathetic interest all the while he was writing his deposition. -He wrote down the main outlines only, for it was the third time -M. Mayeur was having the <a name="page114"></a><span -class="pagenum">p. 114</span>same thing repeated to him, as -though he hoped to discover among expressions already heard, some -special signification which would permit him to unravel the -truth. And it was always this love intrigue, cloaking the -criminal attempt, the bearing of which he could not succeed in -gauging. Was it a matter that concerned international politics or -was it mere spying? Or simply a bold attempt to seize a -commercial product of considerable value? Still, before whatever -hypothesis he stopped, there was obscurity with regard to cause, -ignorance concerning details, an impenetrable mystery which -maddened him, and which seemed as though it would compromise his -career. Flinging himself back in his chair, he said—</p> -<p>“Yes, the criminals have taken great precautions. The -General is dead, the servant, too, is dead, and you had been sent -away. The wounded man has disappeared, as though buried in the -bowels of the earth. And the unknown woman is mocking at our -researches.”</p> -<p>Baudoin shook his head.</p> -<p>“So long as attempts are made to find her, she will -hide, and nothing will be discovered. If the matter concerned me, -I know what I should do.”</p> -<p>M. Mayeur, in his distress, flashed at the valet a look of -curiosity. When he, the examining magistrate, so famous for a -resourceful imagination, no longer knew what expedient to try, a -simple witness pretended to understand the position, and point -out the means to be followed. He was on the point of crushing him -with official disdain, by telling him to trouble with what -concerned him, when he thought that, after all, advice was not to -be neglected, and he might despise it afterwards, if necessary. -He accordingly asked, in mocking tones, to safeguard his -dignity—</p> -<p>“Then, what would you do, M. Baudoin?”</p> -<p>“Please pardon me, sir, if what I say is foolish, but if -<a name="page115"></a><span class="pagenum">p. 115</span>the -affair were in my hand, instead of sending out in every -direction, seeking information everywhere, I would not stir a -step. I should let it be known that I had given up the pursuit, -and was engaged in something else. You must know what takes place -in a barn, where there are mice. There is a general rush to the -holes as soon as the sound of entering feet are heard. If you -remain quiet, after a few moments the mice are seen to be risking -out again, and playing about the floor as before. Well, I believe -it would be the same in the present case. I beg pardon, if I -interfere in the matter, but I, too, am bent on finding the -rascals who killed my master, and if I can contribute towards -their capture it will be the brightest day of my life.”</p> -<p>M. Mayeur no longer cast a disdainful glance at the -General’s valet. He smiled at him in most amiable mood. -For, in a flash he had furnished him with the means of taking -advantage of the difficulty in this cursed affair. When the -Government agent should say to him, that very -evening—“Well, my dear Mayeur, where have you got to -now? Nothing yet?” instead of replying in a tone of -vexation, “Nothing at all,” thus confessing his -inability to discover, and even the absence of grounds on which -to found his researches, he would be able to reply: “This -matter has been badly begun, I undertake to recommence everything -<i>ab ovo</i>. We have to deal with rogues who are exceedingly -cunning. I intend to change my plans entirely.” This time -he would no longer appear incapable, as though he were entrusted -with a task too difficult for his capacity. He would secure an -honourable retreat, and gain time as well.</p> -<p>Resuming his stiff and formal gravity, he said—</p> -<p>“There will be plenty of time to act as you suggest. But -I have still at my disposal many other means of throwing light on -the subject.”</p> -<p><a name="page116"></a><span class="pagenum">p. 116</span>His -clerk, pen in mouth, could not help laughing outright. When -Mayeur was at bay, without a single idea in his head, befooled by -the culprits when he had not the slightest idea where to look for -them, he still pretended to “throw light on the -subject.” Light on the subject! It was enough to make any -one laugh! He gave Baudoin a wink, and noisily rattled his -desk.</p> -<p>M. Mayeur, as though he guessed the secret hostility of his -subordinate, said to him—</p> -<p>“Just go and see if Colonel Vallenot has come from the -Ministry.”</p> -<p>The clerk stretched himself; showed Baudoin his -cigarette-case, with a grimace which signified, “I’m -just going to smoke one,” and left the room. M. Mayeur -followed him, bolted the door, and returning to Baudoin, -said—</p> -<p>“I would rather we were alone in discussing the subject -I am engaged on. The slightest indiscretion in so delicate a -matter might ruin everything. Just now you gave me a piece of -advice which I might follow to advantage. Still, you did not tell -me everything. You are better informed than you have yet shown. -Perhaps they are only suspicions, still, I am sure you are quite -determined to help justice in an energetic pursuit of your -master’s murderers. Why have you not perfect confidence in -me? We have the same object in view. Come, M. Baudoin, be frank -and open. You imagine you have discovered some means of laying -hands on the culprits?”</p> -<p>Baudoin raised his head, and looking fixedly at the -magistrate, saw that he was in passionate earnest. He thought -that he had really an ally in him, and that professional secrecy -guaranteed his discretion, and accordingly made up his mind to -speak.</p> -<p>“Well! yes, I have a means by which we shall lay our -hands on the culprits.”</p> -<p><a name="page117"></a><span class="pagenum">p. -117</span>“What is it?”</p> -<p>“First of all, swear that what I am about to say shall -not be repeated.”</p> -<p>“But—,” protested the judge.</p> -<p>“Take it or leave it,” declared Baudoin, bluntly. -“I am risking my life and that of others as well. I shall -say nothing, unless you give me your word of honour not to repeat -to a living soul what I am going to entrust to you.”</p> -<p>“Not even to my chief?”</p> -<p>“Not a word to any one! Do you give me your -promise?”</p> -<p>“Very well! I promise.”</p> -<p>“Well, then! as I told you before, in matters concerning -scientific research, the General had confidence in no one except -a young man whom he loved as though he were his own child, M. -Baradier’s son. I have reason to believe that M. Marcel -knows M. de Trémont’s formulæ. If, therefore, -the villains we are on the look-out for have the slightest -suspicion that they might in this direction try the <i>coup</i> -which failed with the General, as soon as they are reassured as -to the result of the present search, they will set to work -afresh. It is there my task will begin. I am entering the service -of M. Marcel, and I shall not leave him a single moment. Besides, -I have a friend, who is accustomed to such work. I am taking him -with me. The two of us are organizing a continual surveillance. -If the plot recommences, we let it develop, and intervene at the -critical moment. That is my plan. That is why I made bold, a few -minutes ago, to advise you to give up the game, to all -appearance. With villains like those with whom we have to deal, -there may be a great deal of trouble. Now, you may do all that is -necessary to give me a hand, and as soon as developments have -come to a head, I will immediately lay the matter in your -hands.”</p> -<p><a name="page118"></a><span class="pagenum">p. 118</span>The -examining magistrate reflected for a moment, then said—</p> -<p>“All this is outside of legal precedent, but the -situation is an exceptional one. Above everything, we must -succeed! If we have to deal with determined criminals, as I -imagine is the case, this is not their first attempt, and perhaps -we shall capture a whole gang. Put into performance, therefore, -the plan you have indicated, and, at the slightest difficulty, -come to me, and I will summon all the forces of the law to your -aid. You need simply show me the beginning of the thread, and I -will go right to the end.”</p> -<p>“Good; you shall hear from me at the right time. Not -another word, for here is your clerk returning.”</p> -<p>The clerk knocked at the closed door, and the magistrate -opened it. Colonel Vallenot stood in the passage, and M. Mayeur -addressed him—</p> -<p>“Come in, Colonel, take a seat.”</p> -<p>Turning towards Baudoin, he said—</p> -<p>“You may now retire, M. Baudoin; I don’t think I -shall need you for some time to come. All the same, if you leave -Paris, give M. Baradier your address, so that the summons I shall -address to you may reach you in good time.”</p> -<p>Baudoin bowed to the magistrate, saluted the Colonel in -military fashion, and left the room. When he was gone M. Mayeur -returned to Vallenot, with a smile on his face; he could not -allow his discouragement to appear in public.</p> -<p>“The Minister of War delivered a very solid speech last -night in the House.”</p> -<p>“Yes; they try to mystify him, but he is able to defend -himself. He knows what he is talking about, and a direct attack -always succeeds with Parliamentarians.”</p> -<p>“<i>Imperatoria brevitas</i>,” sneered the -magistrate.</p> -<p>After a short pause he asked in honeyed tones—</p> -<p>“Have your researches come to a point yet?”</p> -<p><a name="page119"></a><span class="pagenum">p. 119</span>The -Colonel replied bluntly—</p> -<p>“Not at all; they are no further advanced than -yours.”</p> -<p>M. Mayeur smiled faintly.</p> -<p>“Ah, ah! Then we make no progress?”</p> -<p>“If I were not afraid of offending you I should say that -we were going backwards.”</p> -<p>“That appears to be exactly as the matter stands,” -said Mayeur, with a look of intelligence.</p> -<p>“Ah! Have you obtained some clue at last?” asked -Vallenot, perplexed.</p> -<p>“I am not in a position to explain, but have patience; a -surprise is in store for you.”</p> -<p>“How delighted the chief will be! The whole affair has -put him in such a nervous condition that the whole staff suffers -in consequence. He is never out of a temper; one does not know -how to manage him.”</p> -<p>“To return to our investigations abroad, what result -have they given?”</p> -<p>“We have obtained the certainty that, if an attempt has -been made to obtain possession of the formulæ of General de -Trémont, the Triple Alliance has had nothing to do with -it. Ever since the last espionage affair, the different -Governments have given orders to their agents to observe the -strictest reserve. If there really has been a plot it can only -have been made by the English. You are well aware that their -artillery is quite out of date, and they are trying to recover -ground.”</p> -<p>“So there are nothing but suppositions; no -proofs?”</p> -<p>“None whatever. In Paris, or, at any rate, in France, -there are half a dozen women well known for their international -intrigues, and who might have been suspected of having acted the -<i>rôle</i> of the Baroness with the poor General de -Trémont. Those known to have been in France have been -strictly watched. Besides, the majority form part of <a -name="page120"></a><span class="pagenum">p. 120</span>our -counter-espionage, and could have informed us, whilst still in -the pay of another nation. So far as Hans is concerned, a police -report from Lausanne announces the arrival in Geneva of a wounded -man, whose arm has been amputated. He is from Baden, and is named -Fichter. The accident took place in a wire mill in the -neighbourhood of Besançon. Accordingly, he could not be at -the same time in the Jura and at Vanves. All the same, the -description of him corresponds exactly with that given by -Baudoin. If this Fichter is the man we are seeking, the -proprietor of the wire mill must have given accommodation -certificates, or a substitution must have taken place on the way -between the two men. All this is very improbable. So, you see, -the matter is involved in greater obscurity than ever.”</p> -<p>“Yes, yes,” hummed the magistrate, who appeared so -absent-minded that the Colonel looked at him in amazement.</p> -<p>“You take all this very calmly!” said -Vallenot.</p> -<p>“What is the use of getting excited? It never serves any -useful purpose.”</p> -<p>“Then you have not lost all hope?”</p> -<p>“Why should I?”</p> -<p>“The deuce!”</p> -<p>“Ah! my friend, success often comes at the very time you -think everything is lost.”</p> -<p>“You magistrates are very lucky; it is not so in the -Army. When you expect Grouchy it is always Blucher who -comes!”</p> -<p>“Well, we shall see.”</p> -<p>“What do you intend to do?”</p> -<p>“Let the whole affair slide for some time. It is too -premature to do anything yet.”</p> -<p>“In other words, you are shelving it?”</p> -<p>“Yes, I am shelving it provisionally.”</p> -<p>“Then you abandon the whole affair?”</p> -<p><a name="page121"></a><span class="pagenum">p. 121</span>The -magistrate looked gravely at Vallenot and, to the profound -amazement of his clerk, said humbly—</p> -<p>“I do, if no fresh incident happens.”</p> -<p>“Have I to inform the Minister of this?”</p> -<p>“Please do so. Tell him I am sorry, and wish I could -have done better. That has been impossible. Still all is not -lost, in my opinion. We shall see at a later date.”</p> -<p>The Colonel stood there rather disconcerted by this unexpected -solution, and as he took his leave he shook his head, -saying—</p> -<p>“A pleasant message you send me with. I shall be -received like a dog in a game of skittles.”</p> -<p>“Nonsense! You are the favourite. I am off to the -Government agent. He will not grumble; on the contrary, he will -poke fun at me. Still no matter. He laughs best who laughs -last!”</p> -<p>Shaking the Colonel by the hand, he conducted him to the -passage, and returned to his office. He signed several sheets of -paper handed to him by his clerk. The latter, devoured by -curiosity, said—</p> -<p>“Then the matter is really finished, sir! Are you giving -it up?”</p> -<p>“One cannot do what is impossible,” said Mayeur, -negligently. “A house cannot be built without scaffolding. -Here we have no grounds to work upon. I am not strong enough to -invent what I am ignorant of. It is already difficult enough to -obtain benefit from certain proof.”</p> -<p>A look of pity came over the clerk’s countenance. So -long as the magistrate had manifested a tranquil assurance of -success he had, in his conscience, violently criticized him. Now -that his master showed himself modest and simple he disdained -him. Nothing but a poor fellow, after all, who was very lucky -when things went well, but gave up the struggle at the very first -difficulties.</p> -<p><a name="page122"></a><span class="pagenum">p. -122</span>“Just put away that brief into my case. I am -going to the Public Prosecutor’s office,” said the -magistrate. “Afterwards you may go; it is five -o’clock. I will see you to-morrow morning.”</p> -<p>Colonel Vallenot, meanwhile, was rolling away in a cab in the -direction of the Ministry. On entering his chief’s -ante-chamber he came across Baudoin, who was leaving the -Minister’s cabinet. Stopping him, he said—</p> -<p>“You have just seen the General?”</p> -<p>“Yes, Colonel.”</p> -<p>“Is he in a good temper?”</p> -<p>“Yes, Colonel. You had better hurry, sir, if you wish to -find him in.”</p> -<p>“What! He is going out?”</p> -<p>“I heard him say that he was going to the -Chamber.”</p> -<p>“You had something to ask him, Baudoin?”</p> -<p>“No, Colonel. I wished simply to speak to him of the -affair of General Trémont.”</p> -<p>“In what respect?”</p> -<p>“The magistrate makes no progress, and seems to me as -though about to abandon the matter altogether.”</p> -<p>“You told this to the Minister?”</p> -<p>“Yes, not five minutes ago.”</p> -<p>“And how did he receive the communication?”</p> -<p>“He whistled softly; then said aloud, ‘After all, -perhaps it is better so.’”</p> -<p>Colonel Vallenot looked at Baudoin, as though to make sure he -was not making fun of him. Then he shrugged his shoulders, as -though he did not understand, and declared, in vexed -tones—</p> -<p>“Good! Good! Well, we will say no more about -it.”</p> -<p>With a friendly gesture to the former soldier, he -said—</p> -<p><a name="page123"></a><span class="pagenum">p. -123</span>“Good night, Baudoin. If you need anything send -for me. We were all very fond of M. de Trémont.”</p> -<p>And he passed along, muttering to himself—</p> -<p>“Everybody I meet seems to have lost his -head.”</p> -<p>Baudoin descended the large staircase. He went out into the -street, after shaking hands with the concierge, and made his way -towards the small café, where, in condescending fashion, -Laforêt watched the billiard players, during the absinthe -hour, eagerly playing pools. He was seated in his usual place, -smoking his pipe, and speaking to a neighbour, a retired business -man, who was telling him his domestic worries.</p> -<p>“Yes, sir; a woman who is always out of the house, and -has never enough money. The vaults of the Bank would not suffice -for her. And whenever I remonstrate with her she rouses the whole -house with her cries. We cannot keep servants, for she will not -pay them, and when she is not pleased, then there are blows! I -have already been several times before the Justice of the Peace -on her account. The life she leads me is a regular -inferno!”</p> -<p>“Divorce her,” said Laforêt, curtly.</p> -<p>“But the greater part of our common stock is -hers!”</p> -<p>“Then put up with her!”</p> -<p>“I can do it no longer.”</p> -<p>“Well, treat her as she treats her servants.”</p> -<p>“Ah! No! The deuce! She would pay me back in the same -coin!”</p> -<p>Baudoin’s arrival interrupted the consultation. The -unhappy tradesman arose, and said—</p> -<p>“The only place where I have a little quiet is -here.”</p> -<p>“Well, that is something. Good-bye, sir. Consider me at -your service if I can be of any use to you.”</p> -<p>Baudoin had taken a seat. Laforêt leaned over in his -direction.</p> -<p><a name="page124"></a><span class="pagenum">p. -124</span>“Well, anything fresh?”</p> -<p>“Yes. I want you. But we had better leave -here.”</p> -<p>The agent arose, took his stick, and left the café, -accompanied by Baudoin.</p> -<p>“Where shall we go?”</p> -<p>“Where we shall be neither disturbed nor -overheard.”</p> -<p>“Then come along with me.”</p> -<p>They proceeded along the banks of the Seine, and, on reaching -a quay, Laforêt led the way down a flight of stone stairs -leading to the embankment. Under the shade of the elms, which -twisted their knotty boughs above the slimy, swift-flowing river, -they sat down. On the opposite bank the gardens of the Tuileries -exposed to view their lovely verdure. Lighters were unloading -sand fifty yards on the left. Ferry-boats sped swiftly along, -crowded with passengers, and the distant rolling of carriages -formed a rumbling accompaniment to their words.</p> -<p>“Here we are certain that whatever we say will be heard -by none other than the birds or the fishes,” said -Laforêt. “This is the spot I recommend to you -whenever you have any secrets to communicate to any one. There is -not even a single fisherman about. Now then, what have you to -tell?”</p> -<p>“Well, after three weeks’ researches, the -examining magistrate is obliged to confess that he has not made -the slightest progress. Clearly, if left to himself, he will -never effect anything. Besides, the cleverest of them would have -been no more fortunate. There is nothing to seize hold of. The -culprits have plunged, and everything is quiet again. The upshot -of the matter is that our magistrate is about to stop all -investigations, and now I am free to go where I like, as I shall -no longer have to spend all the day walking about the corridors -of the Law Courts. Accordingly, I am leaving Paris.”</p> -<p><a name="page125"></a><span class="pagenum">p. -125</span>“Ah! Where are you going?”</p> -<p>“To stay with the son of my master, M. Baradier, who is -at the works near Troyes, in Champagne. The district is called -Ars, noted for alkaline springs and thermal waters, visited every -summer by invalids.”</p> -<p>“Are you going to your master with the object of -forgetting your troubles?”</p> -<p>“No! Rather to keep watch over him. Since I have been in -the house I have spoken with his father, and learnt several -things. M. Baradier is informed that his son has received -communications from the General de Trémont, and now the -famous formulæ can only be obtained from Marcel. M. -Baradier, I believe, would give a large sum if his son had never -entered the General’s laboratory. But that is a fact which -cannot be undone. The only important thing now is to defend the -young man. This trust has been confided to me. M. Baradier said -to me: ‘Baudoin, Marcel is my only son, and although he is -not so steady as he might be, I am all the same very fond of him. -I do not want him to come to any harm. As soon as you are free go -down to Ars, and do not leave him.’”</p> -<p>“But why does this young man, who is so rich, and of -whom his family is so fond, shut himself up in a quiet provincial -town? Why does he not stay in Paris?”</p> -<p>“For several reasons. The best one is that his father -considers it more prudent for him to be at Ars than in Paris. -Surveillance is more easy in the country. Besides, M. Marcel, -from what I have learned, has been living rather too fast, and -his father has cut off his supplies; but for his uncle Graff, the -young heir would have nothing whatever. Just now he is -desperately bent on finding a chemical process of wool-dyeing, -and, though he is rather a hare-brained fellow, as the General -called him, he has an extraordinary aptitude for scientific -research, so that his work <a name="page126"></a><span -class="pagenum">p. 126</span>will be sufficient to keep him away -from all kinds of distractions.”</p> -<p>“He is rather a strange character.”</p> -<p>“The finest young man you would meet anywhere. Generous -and lively in disposition, not proud in the least. Ah! he will -please you, I know, when you meet him.”</p> -<p>“Then I am to make his acquaintance?”</p> -<p>“Certainly.”</p> -<p>“In what way?”</p> -<p>“Listen. As soon as I learned that I could leave Paris I -rushed off to the Minister to explain what I wanted to do, and -asked him, if he wished the affair to succeed, to give me -permission that you should come down to Ars whenever I need -you.”</p> -<p>“I must have permission first.”</p> -<p>“You have only to see Colonel Vallenot, who has received -instructions, and he will give you your papers.”</p> -<p>“Good. And what shall I have to do -afterwards?”</p> -<p>“According to circumstances. It is my firm conviction -that the catastrophe of which my poor master has been the victim, -is nothing but the beginning of a drama. Many important events -will take place, and we must arrange so as to prevent them from -being harmful to the intended victims. Serious interests are at -stake. We shall probably have to deal with matters that are -anything but attractive. But then, afterwards, everything will be -cleared up. We must succeed. By the way, you must know how to -disguise yourself.”</p> -<p>Laforêt smiled.</p> -<p>“Do not be uneasy on that score. I will be there at the -rendezvous you appoint; but I will not vouch for your recognizing -me when you see me.”</p> -<p>“That is all right, then. Unfortunately, I am not to be -relied upon for playing a double <i>rôle</i>. But I can -well maintain my own, which will be that of a -watch-dog.”</p> -<p><a name="page127"></a><span class="pagenum">p. -127</span>“Then everything is settled?”</p> -<p>“So it seems. When I have a communication to make I will -send my letter to the Ministry.”</p> -<p>“Very good. Now let us get back.”</p> -<p>Mounting the stone staircase, they reached the quay, and took -leave of one another.</p> -<p>Laforêt made his way towards the Rue Saint Dominique; -Baudoin crossed the Pont de la Concorde, and returned to the Rue -de Provènce by the Rue de Richelieu and the boulevards. -Messieurs Baradier and Graff were in their office, along with the -cashier of the firm, who was making inquiries concerning the -collection of debts. The cashier was saying—</p> -<p>“Do you know, gentlemen, that the ‘Commercial -Explosives’ Company,’ of which M. Lichtenbach is -chairman, is on its last legs? The shares have gone down -considerably. It seems that there is an American company -competing with them.”</p> -<p>“Yes, so I have heard,” said Graff. “The -Americans have found a product of very simple composition, -costing fifty per cent. less than dynamite. They have already -taken very large orders for Australia and South Africa. That is -the reason of the fall of the Lichtenbach Company.”</p> -<p>“Do not be uneasy, Bernard,” said Baradier to his -cashier. “It will not affect Lichtenbach, but his -shareholders. You have no more letters to be signed?”</p> -<p>“No, sir.”</p> -<p>“Well, then, you may go now. Good night.”</p> -<p>“Good night, gentlemen.”</p> -<p>Baradier rose from his seat, and stood with his back to the -fire.</p> -<p>“You see,” he said to his brother-in-law, -“here we have a clear proof that Trémont has been -killed as much to rob him of his commercial as of his military -secret. Do you now understand how Lichtenbach would be interested -in <a name="page128"></a><span class="pagenum">p. 128</span>being -in possession of the formulæ of an explosive which would be -less costly than the American product, the discovery of which is -ruining the French company, and would be as effective though a -hundred times less in volume? For this is the real value of the -discovery made by Trémont, and which Marcel has explained -to me. Accordingly, if Lichtenbach, by some means or other, came -into possession of the unknown formulæ, he would only have -to take out a patent, and secretly buy back all the shares of the -company which have now fallen so low. The day after he had swept -everything before him he would sell to the company all property -in the new explosive, and make millions at a single stroke, -without speaking of the future success of the product.”</p> -<p>“Yes, it would be a fine <i>coup</i> worthy of him. He -might give up to his confederates the profits from the war -powder, for they would be little compared with those of the -commercial product. Governments are not in the habit of -remunerating philanthropists who afford them the means of -marching triumphantly forward to a universal massacre.”</p> -<p>“Oh, don’t make any mistake. Marcel affirms that -this discovery made by Trémont is followed by the most -frightful results. It is a kind of paste, which, according to the -way in which it is prepared, causes a formidable detonation or -else burns, without the slightest noise, even when in -water.”</p> -<p>“Greek fire?”</p> -<p>“Something like it. Or, rather, like an up-to-date -cannon compared with one of the fourteenth century. Torpedoes -loaded with this paste, and lit by means of a well-graduated -mechanism, might at will envelop a ship in flames at a single -moment.”</p> -<p>“That would mean the suppression of all naval -supremacy!”</p> -<p>“Ah! You understand. Now, do you think there <a -name="page129"></a><span class="pagenum">p. 129</span>exists any -real security for the possessor of such a secret? A State would -have to be governed by angels if it did not use its utmost -endeavours to procure this monstrous power of annihilating all -its enemies and subduing all its rivals. This is why -Trémont was put to death, and why I have lost my sleep at -the thought that my son has openly worked with him and may be -suspected of having possession of this mysterious agent of -destruction and greatness.”</p> -<p>“Send him away from France, on a cruise.”</p> -<p>“He would be in much greater danger away from France. -The place where he runs least risk is here among his friends. Ah! -How glad I should be were he rid of this heavy burden! I have -begged him to hand over the General’s formulæ to the -Minister. It would have been announced in all the journals that -Marcel Baradier had handed over to the Technical Committee of -Explosives all notes relating to the experiments of General de -Trémont. After that he would have been free, and no -further risk would have been run. Do you know what reply he gave -me?”</p> -<p>“No; tell me.”</p> -<p>“He said to me, with a smile, and in tones of calm -assurance: ‘My dear father, the General’s powder is -still lacking in one slight detail. I know what he intended to -do, for he explained everything to me. Well, then, I will -continue his experiments, and when everything is complete I will -hand over the formulæ to the State, according to his -clearly-expressed will, and form a company with the commerce -explosive to enrich the General’s -daughter.’”</p> -<p>“Does Marcel know what a risk he is running?” -asked Graff.</p> -<p>“I became hoarse in telling him. But he is a Lorraine; -he’s as obstinate as a mule. To all my arguments he offered -an imperturbable resistance. ‘I alone,’ he said, -‘can manage the affair successfully. If I give the -General’s notes to the <a name="page130"></a><span -class="pagenum">p. 130</span>Technical Committee, one of those -sharp fellows on the Board will boast that he has made the -discovery himself, and obtain all the credit for it. Unless he -spoil the invention by absurd additions, which is at bottom a -very likely thing. As for the commercial product, if I open my -mouth before taking all necessary precautions, it will be stolen -in an instant, and the General’s daughter will lose her -fortune. For these reasons, and others, I do not intend to -abandon the work I have begun.’</p> -<p>“‘But you are risking your life?’</p> -<p>“‘Is it so very precious? You spend your time in -telling me I am a rascal, that I am ruining you, and shall bring -your name into dishonour. Very good! You will be well rid of a -guilty and unworthy son!’”</p> -<p>Graff struck his hands against one another.</p> -<p>“You see! That is the result of your harshness towards -the poor child. How can you expect him to listen to -you?”</p> -<p>“Ah! Leave me alone!” exclaimed Baradier, pale -with anguish, “I am sufficiently worried with all this! You -do not intend to make me responsible for it, into the bargain! I -love Marcel as well as you do! The only difference is that I am -not always fawning on him and giving him money! We should have -been in a fine state had you been the only one to set him an -example! All you did was to encourage his evil inclinations! If -he has done wrong, it is all your fault!”</p> -<p>“Yes! I, who have set an example to him, and practised -what I preached!” exclaimed Graff. “I being his evil -genius, as everybody knows. Really, Baradier, I wonder if you -have gone mad!”</p> -<p>Baradier walked excitedly about the room, then, returning to -his brother-in-law, placed his hand on his shoulder, and said in -trembling tones—</p> -<p><a name="page131"></a><span class="pagenum">p. -131</span>“You are right! I believe I am losing my senses. -Pardon me, this anxiety has completely overwhelmed me. We have -only Marcel, Graff. Think of what would become of us, if destiny -willed it that—”</p> -<p>Graff rose quickly from his seat.</p> -<p>“Not another word! It is unlucky to predict disaster. We -must not even admit that there is a disaster at all. Still, I -cannot blame Marcel for doing what he considers his duty. Did he -act otherwise, he would be neither a Baradier nor a Graff. He is -acting very courageously. All the same we must keep watch over -him, and defend him against his own folly.”</p> -<p>At that moment, a knock was heard at the study door. Baradier -went to open it, and seeing Baudoin on the threshold, -said—</p> -<p>“Ah! You have come at the right moment. First of all, -tell us how things are going at the courts.”</p> -<p>“Everything is at a standstill, sir. The examining -magistrate can find nothing. The culprits have left a vacuum -behind them.”</p> -<p>“Well?”</p> -<p>“Well, M. Mayeur, in despair, unable to arrest the -criminals, is simply stopping all investigations, and shelving -the affair.”</p> -<p>“That’s a fine idea! Is it his own?”</p> -<p>“No, sir.”</p> -<p>“What fool could have suggested such a -course?”</p> -<p>“I did.”</p> -<p>“I congratulate you. Now, the rascals who have killed -your master, believing themselves sure of impunity, will -recommence—”</p> -<p>“I am relying on their doing so!”</p> -<p>“But! Marcel? My son! What is to become of him? Have you -even thought of such a thing?”</p> -<p><a name="page132"></a><span class="pagenum">p. -132</span>“I have thought of nothing else. Here I am free. -If you will allow me, I will leave Paris this very night, and be -at Ars about midnight. The news of the affair being abandoned -will not appear in the journals for a couple of days. I shall -have organized my surveillance by that time. I promise you -nothing shall happen to M. Marcel, or, at any rate, they will -have to begin with me.”</p> -<p>“Very reassuring!” growled Baradier. “But -what can one do with such a madman as my son? He is in danger -everywhere. Ah, the cursed powder! What need had Trémont -to tell him of his inventions? If this explosive is as dangerous -to those against whom it is used as it is to its inventors, there -will be fine butcheries the next war.”</p> -<p>Baudoin philosophically paid no heed to these paternal -recriminations.</p> -<p>He understood how correct they were, but could he do more than -devote himself to the defence of him who might at any time, be so -gravely threatened? When M. Baradier finally sat down, in -consternation, Graff decided to speak in his turn.</p> -<p>“After all,” he said, “as the wine is drawn, -we must drink it. The thing to guard against is not to poison -one’s self with it. Forewarned is forearmed. The situation -is not the same as it was for the General. With a little prudence -it will be easy to make everything turn out right. Patience -brings all things about.”</p> -<p>“Have you finished with your proverbs, which have no -meaning whatever?” exclaimed Baradier, exasperated by his -brother-in-law’s optimism. “Without so much palaver, -all that is needed is to give Baudoin permission to summon the -police in case he sees anything suspicious in Marcel’s -surroundings. For my part, I have more confidence in armed might -than in providence.”</p> -<p><a name="page133"></a><span class="pagenum">p. -133</span>“If you are interrupting me to say such -nonsense,” replied Graff, “you might have held your -peace. Let Marcel work on. The sooner he has finished the sooner -he will be out of danger. Until that time, Baudoin, I entrust him -to your care.”</p> -<p>“Do not be uneasy, Monsieur Graff. I will answer for him -with my life. Besides, I am not trusting in myself alone. I am -going to send for a companion, who in himself is worth a score of -men. I need say no more. Trust to me.”</p> -<p>“Yes, my brave fellow, I will trust to you,” said -Baradier.</p> -<p>“Very good,” said Baudoin, rubbing his hands. -“Have you any message to send to M. Marcel?”</p> -<p>“Tell him to be very careful; give him our best love, -and ask him to think of us at times.”</p> -<p>“By-the-bye, have you any money for the -journey?”</p> -<p>“I have all I need, sir, thank you. Your servant, sir. -<i>Au revoir</i>!”</p> -<p>Bowing, he left the room. Father and uncle remained behind, -silent and grave, plunged in reverie. After a time Graff stood up -and said—</p> -<p>“Nothing ill will happen. Of that I am sure. I feel it. -You know I am never mistaken. In business, every time we have had -a loss I have always had a very clear intuition of it beforehand. -Be assured, Baradier, we shall come out of it without loss or -damage.”</p> -<p>The anxious father replied—</p> -<p>“Heaven grant you may be right! But so long as there is -a woman in it I cannot be at rest concerning Marcel. Ah! if it -were only you or I, there would be no danger. But this young -madman!”</p> -<p>“The oldest are not always the wisest. Look at -Trémont.”</p> -<p><a name="page134"></a><span class="pagenum">p. -134</span>“Well, well. It is all in God’s -hands!”</p> -<p>Holding out his hand to his brother-in-law—</p> -<p>“We will have no more quarrels; they serve no useful -purpose, and only cause us pain!”</p> -<p>“Ah! Speak to me as harshly as you like!” -exclaimed Graff, greatly moved. “It does not hurt me, and -it relieves you! But be careful to say nothing to your wife. -There is no occasion that she should worry herself about the -matter.”</p> -<p>They left the office, and, as they crossed the court they saw -Baudoin, portmanteau in hand, starting off, with alert and happy -step, for the station.</p> -<h2><a name="page135"></a><span class="pagenum">p. 135</span>PART -II</h2> -<h3>CHAPTER I</h3> -<p><span class="smcap">Ars</span> is a small town of six thousand -inhabitants, a distance of four leagues from Troyes. On the manly -declivities to the South stretch miles upon miles of vineyards. -The mineral springs of Ars are distant half a mile from the town, -on the road to Lusigny, as is also the thermal establishment.</p> -<p>It was whilst engaged in sounding for ore, in land which did -not contain the slightest trace of it, that M. Reverend, chief -engineer, unexpectedly discovered the alkaline and chalybeate -waters, rivalling those of Plombieres and of Aix. But, after all, -Ars is too near Paris for patients to have confidence in the -healing virtues of its springs. It is frequented only by people -of limited income, and hotel-keepers who are not in the habit of -fleecing travellers. Near the forest of Bossicant, close by, a -few villas, almost lost amid the trees, are every year placed at -the disposal of wealthy invalids. These are modest-looking, quiet -houses, offering their peace-loving guests nothing but the -smiling solitudes of the forest. The weaving and spinning mills -belonging to Messrs. Baradier and Graff are situated on the -Barse, the rapid current of which turns the dynamos, which supply -both light and motive-power. The private residence is separated -from the works by a large court-yard and a beautiful garden. The -road to Vandoeuvre passes in front of the house, whilst, on the -other side of the road, through <a name="page136"></a><span -class="pagenum">p. 136</span>meadows in which large numbers of -cattle are grazing all the year round, runs the railroad, past -Chaumont, right to the German frontier. Ars is an important -working centre. The quarries and mines give work to a large -proportion of the male population.</p> -<p>Two hundred men, a hundred women, and a large number of -children are employed at the works of Baradier and Graff. The -manager of the establishment, M. Cardez, is a native of Lorraine, -who came from Metz with his masters. He had married at Ars, and -was now a widower with two grown-up sons, devoted to duty, and -kind towards his workmen, but of a taciturn disposition, and -ruling with almost military discipline. One of his sons is in the -Army, the other assistant-manager in the works at La Barre.</p> -<p>A very good fellow, on the whole, whom Marcel Baradier, from -his childhood, had been in the disrespectful habit of calling -“the bear.” The “bear” and Marcel could -never understand one another. There was the same distance between -them as between Pascal, the inventor of the wheel-barrow, and the -workman whose duty it was to roll it along the highway. Marcel -likes Cardez well enough, though he is fond of poking fun at him. -Cardez is very respectful towards the son of his master, though -he deplores his light-heartedness and frivolity. The two might -live together for years without the slightest affinity being -manifested between them. As Marcel says, with a smile, the one is -negative, the other positive. Cardez is none too glad at Marcel -settling down at the works, for his presence is a cause of -trouble for the workmen. The master’s son is too ready to -listen to their complaints, and discipline suffers in -consequence. The military order no longer reigns, and Cardez, -more bearish than ever, never ceases railing at what he calls -“the encouragement given to the rebellious instincts of the -workmen.”</p> -<p><a name="page137"></a><span class="pagenum">p. -137</span>Marcel’s researches in the colouring of cloth -leave the director sceptical. He considers there is no necessity -to change a system which has succeeded so well for so many years. -A dye-shed always seemed useless to him. The raw thread, which -brought so ready a sale, was quite sufficient for their -requirements. All these new inventions, costing so dear, only -served, in his mind, to introduce an element of trouble into the -working of a business already prosperous. The laboratory at the -end of the garden, in an isolated pavilion, was the object of -raillery on the part of the director, who called it “the -Capernaum.”</p> -<p>Since Marcel had come to settle at Ars, contrary to his usual -habit, he scarcely ever appeared at the works. He shut himself up -in the “Capernaum,” or went off in search of -recreation, with a gun and his dog, into the forest of Bossicant. -Baradier and Graff owned two hundred acres of waste land, very -picturesque, and abounding in game. Certain of the uplands of -Bossicant remind one of Scotland, in point of wild, picturesque -view, dry, arid heather, and the clear freshness of the -invigorating air.</p> -<p>Half-way down the hollow rose a villa, in the form of a -chalet, buried in the trees—a red spot in the midst of so -much surrounding verdure. It was gloomy and silent, and almost -always uninhabited, by reason of its distance from the town, and -proximity to the wood. One morning, as he passed by this villa, -Marcel was surprised to see that the shutters were down, and that -a servant was busily sweeping in front of the door. She was -rather elegantly dressed, and appeared to be a stranger in the -district, doubtless attending to some invalid who had come to -effect a cure. Marcel was not inquisitive, and went his way.</p> -<p>It was three o’clock when he reached the plain, which he -began to cross with careless steps. The movements of his dog, -however, drew his attention. He slipped a couple <a -name="page138"></a><span class="pagenum">p. 138</span>of -cartridges into his gun, and mounted to the side of the slope. -After a moment’s interval, on climbing the opposite bank, -Marcel saw a rabbit bent on reaching the open. He took aim, -pulled the trigger, and the rabbit rolled over to the foot of the -descent. The dog was not far away; he seized the dead animal by -the back, and brought him to his master.</p> -<p>Marcel relieved the dog, placed the game in a light bag he -carried over his shoulder, uncocked his gun, and, considering -that he had done enough damage for the time being, sat down on -the sand, at the foot of a fir tree, and looked dreamily away at -the distant forests in the east. A delightful torpor, induced by -the dull silence of the woods, took possession of his body, -whilst his more active thoughts, as though freed from all -material bond, began to dwell on his past life. He saw again the -house in the Rue de Provènce, in which his father and his -uncle Graff had quarrelled so often about him; and his -mother’s salon, where Amélie, seated near -Mademoiselle de Trémont, dressed in deep black, was -quietly working.</p> -<p>Suddenly his reveries were interrupted by a bark of his dog. -The pattering step of some animal or other made him turn his -head, and there, close by, he saw a small terrier, no larger than -his two fists, a silk ribbon tied in a knot round his neck, -advancing in his direction. A little farther away, a woman, -dressed in black, slowly followed. He had no time to examine the -newcomer, for the little dog, with a furious yelp, leaped towards -the other, with the unthinking audacity of a rat attacking a -tiger. A gentle voice exclaimed, “Bob!” It was of no -use. Marcel’s dog stood up against his tiny adversary, and -rolled him over into the dust.</p> -<p>“Bob! Oh, <i>Mon Dieu</i>!” exclaimed his -mistress, anxiously, as she rushed to the spot.</p> -<p>Marcel heard the cry, saw a pair of beautiful eyes, and, <a -name="page139"></a><span class="pagenum">p. 139</span>without -waiting longer, bounded forth, and seized his dog by the skin of -his neck, flinging him over on to the ground. Then, picking up -the terrier, still panting with the shock, but quite uninjured, -he exhibited him to the lady, with a smile—</p> -<p>“Do not be anxious, madame; your savage little animal is -safe and sound. Still, we were only just in time. Please excuse -us, and take into account that we were not the -aggressors.”</p> -<p>The lady put the dog under her arm, gave him a gentle tap, -saying, in scolding tones—</p> -<p>“Oh! <i>Che bestia</i>! A fly trying to devour a -wolf!”</p> -<p>Marcel could now see her at leisure, as she was tenderly -scolding her terrier, and he stood there, filled with admiration -at the gentle beauty of the unknown lady. Her face was of a -perfect oval, surrounded by golden hair; her dark eyes were -languishing and gentle, whilst she had the chaste and timid mien -of a young girl. All the same, she was dressed in mourning, like -a widow. Fixing her eyes on Marcel, she said, in quiet, gracious -accents—</p> -<p>“A thousand thanks, sir, for your timely intervention. I -am sorry for your poor dog, which did quite right in defending -itself.”</p> -<p>“There can be no comparison, madame,” said Marcel, -“between this charming little animal of yours and this -large-pawed dog of mine, accustomed to brambles and thorns. I am -sorry I have stopped your walk, but now you may continue in -perfect safety; I will chain up my dog.”</p> -<p>The young woman bowed her head in token of thanks.</p> -<p>“If I am trespassing on your property, I beg you to -excuse me. I am a stranger, and have only been in these parts the -last two days. I am acquainted with no one to inform me as to -what I have a right to do.”</p> -<p><a name="page140"></a><span class="pagenum">p. -140</span>“Here, madame, you may do as you please. -Doubtless you are living at the Villa de la -Cavée?”</p> -<p>“Yes, sir.”</p> -<p>“Then these woods are easily within your reach. There -are very few passers-by, and you may come whenever you -wish.”</p> -<p>She murmured, in constrained accents, “A thousand -thanks.”</p> -<p>Thereupon she moved away at a slow pace. Marcel stood there -motionless, unable to remove his eyes from the ravishing figure, -now slowly disappearing from view. Then he whistled for his dog, -stroked him gently, as though to atone for his rough treatment a -few moments previously, and returned, in pensive mood, to the -works. After dinner he strolled about the garden, smoking, till -nine o’clock; then, completely tired out, retired to rest -for the night.</p> -<p>The following morning he spent all his time in the laboratory. -Suddenly the door opened, and Baudoin appeared.</p> -<p>“Holla! You here?” said the young man. “Has -my father sent you?”</p> -<p>“Yes, sir. I am requested by all the family to convey to -you their best love. Besides, I have come to stay by your -side.”</p> -<p>“For what purpose?”</p> -<p>“To be your servant.”</p> -<p>“Very good, Baudoin; make yourself at home. Your -presence will be very useful here, in making things go all right. -The inhabitants of this district are fine people on the whole, -but not over-intelligent.”</p> -<p>“We will put all that in order for you.”</p> -<p>He walked round the laboratory, looking attentively at the -objects on the table, and the alembics, with their copper -spirals, on the stove.</p> -<p><a name="page141"></a><span class="pagenum">p. -141</span>“So it is here that you are working! Who arranges -things in this laboratory?”</p> -<p>“No one enters the place but myself.”</p> -<p>“So I see. However, I will clean your utensils; I know -how to go about it. Are you working at the General’s -formulæ?”</p> -<p>“Not yet; I have had other things to attend to. Still, I -intend to commence shortly. I am very glad you have come, for you -will be at hand, in case I want any help. See here, Baudoin, -these are blue, pink, and green dyes which I have fixed lately. -They are capable of giving wool an unchangeable -colour.”</p> -<p>As he spoke, he handled hanks of a strong and harmonious -shade, stretching them out before the light of day, and showing -all their reflections.</p> -<p>“Our poor General put this idea into my head. Ah! if he -had only contented himself with undertaking industrial -researches, we should still have had him alive and well among us, -and in possession of a large fortune. But he disdained such -productive discoveries; he thought only of the State. He would -work for nothing else.”</p> -<p>“After serving it so long, M. Marcel, it was second -nature with him.”</p> -<p>“Well, well, Baudoin! Settle down here, and commence -your duties this very night.”</p> -<p>Marcel stayed behind in the laboratory, inactive, as though -some dull preoccupation would give him no peace. <i>He</i> sat -down in a large leather armchair he had gaily baptized the -“alchemist’s armchair,” and, with open window -to allow the sun to enter, he sat there in a reverie, until five -o’clock struck.</p> -<p>He went down into the garden, walked past beds of rose-trees, -and halted by the banks of the river, watching in the crystal -waters a jack chasing a shoal of roaches, which, <a -name="page142"></a><span class="pagenum">p. 142</span>to escape -the dreaded pursuit, leapt out of the water, like silver arrows. -The clock at the entrance, as it struck, disturbed his thoughts, -and he saw approaching him, and preceded by the porter, a tall, -elegantly dressed young man, of very handsome features and blue -eyes. As he drew near he took off his hat, bowed with -considerable deference, and said, in a sing-song Italian -accent—</p> -<p>“Have I the pleasure of addressing M. Marcel -Baradier?”</p> -<p>“That is my name, sir,” said Marcel, examining the -stranger with a sudden interest. “To what do I owe the -honour of this visit!”</p> -<p>The young man gave a sidelong glance to assure himself that -the porter had left the room, then, in haughty tones, -said—</p> -<p>“As I have no one to present me, allow me to introduce -myself. I am Count Cesare Agostini, of the Princes of Briviesca. -I live at the Villa de la Cavée with my sister, and I have -called to thank you for the kindness with which, yesterday, -you—”</p> -<p>“What I did, sir, was merely natural; it was quite by -chance that I met your sister. She is a stranger in these parts, -and appeared to be sad, and in search of rest and quiet. All I -did was to simply comply with her wishes so far as I -could.”</p> -<p>Count Cesare bowed gracefully; a cloud came over his handsome -face, and in accents of sadness he continued—</p> -<p>“My sister is, indeed, very sad; she has had a great -deal of trouble. She has spent her strength in attending to the -needs of a husband far older than herself, and whom she had the -misfortune to lose some time ago. With the object of regaining -her health, she has come into this valley, to seek calm and -quiet. The waters of Ars, too, have been well recommended to us. -But it is chiefly fresh air my <a name="page143"></a><span -class="pagenum">p. 143</span>sister needs, after being confined -for long months by the bedside of a dying man.”</p> -<p>The handsome Italian several times shook his head, and -said—</p> -<p>“Oh, it is very sad, very sad indeed!”</p> -<p>“And you have come from Italy with your sister?” -asked Marcel.</p> -<p>“No,” said Cesare. “Madame Vignola was -living in Paris, where I have recently been to see her. We intend -to return to Naples, and settle down. Not before autumn, however. -Yes, it is very sad indeed!”</p> -<p>Marcel saw that the Count Cesare did not appear to wish to -take his leave, and, as he was interested in what he related, he -led the way to a green arbour, with rustic seats, sheltered from -the rays of the setting sun.</p> -<p>“Will you take a seat, sir?”</p> -<p>The Italian chose an armchair, and drew from his pocket a gold -cigarette-case, which he held out to Marcel. “A -cigarette?”</p> -<p>“Willingly.”</p> -<p>They began to smoke, and the tobacco seemed to render Cesare -even more loquacious.</p> -<p>“This villa where my sister now lives is far from the -village. Is the country round here quite safe?”</p> -<p>“Perfectly safe. Your sister will have nothing to fear -from any one.”</p> -<p>“All the better! I myself am not staying here long. My -business takes me back to Paris, and the idea of leaving her -alone with a chamber-maid and a servant-girl whom I do not know -makes me very anxious, that I will not deny. Is Ars always so -quiet as at present?”</p> -<p>“Always, at this time of the year. The season begins in -June, and it is now only April. In a few months the hotels will -be filled, and the roads overrun by all the stage <a -name="page144"></a><span class="pagenum">p. 144</span>waggons in -the district. That is the time I shall choose for going -away.”</p> -<p>“You do not stay here the whole year round?”</p> -<p>“No; I only call here at rare intervals. My home is at -Paris; I am at Ars on business.”</p> -<p>“Your works are very large?”</p> -<p>“One of the largest in the department. My grandfather -founded the industry. It is the cradle of our family and the -source of our fortune. Accordingly, my father, who is a banker, -could never make up his mind to give it up, although he has far -greater interests in other enterprises.”</p> -<p>“I see he has trusted to you the responsibility of -managing the works.”</p> -<p>“Oh no. My father is represented by a director. I am -simply the master’s son, and interfere in no way with the -weaving. Here I have a laboratory, in which I undertake chemical -experiments. But all the people in this district will tell you -that I am an amateur, anything but serious, and that I spend more -money on experiments than my pretended discoveries will ever -bring me.”</p> -<p>As he spoke he laughed gaily. The handsome Italian joined, and -said, in his sing-song voice—</p> -<p>“Rich men’s eldest sons are always ill-judged. -When one is wealthy it is extremely difficult to get one’s -self considered as a serious worker. Because one has no need of -money, people are only too ready to conclude that one is -incapable of earning any. And yet, why should not a rich man be a -genius?”</p> -<p>“Ah, sir, then what would become of other poor -wretches?”</p> -<p>“So you pretend, yourself,” said the Count, with a -graceful wave of the hand, “to despise these -investigations, though they probably interest you -greatly?”</p> -<p>“Almost as much as the experiments of a dyer. I have <a -name="page145"></a><span class="pagenum">p. 145</span>woollen -stuffs steeped in coloured vats, and I try to fix the tints -indelibly, so that the stuff sold in future will not become -discoloured under the influence of either light, rain, or wind. -The tapestries placed on furniture or walls, nowadays, are -scarcely in their places than they have to be taken -down—they are already quite faded. All the same, the stuffs -of former times lasted, and exist even now. Our ancestors were in -possession of dyeing processes superior to ours, and yet modern -chemistry offers us mighty resources. That is what I am working -at, sir. It is very commonplace, as you see.”</p> -<p>“Evidently, it is not the philosopher’s stone! -Still, all researches have their value. Have you obtained -satisfactory results?”</p> -<p>Marcel bowed in mock humility.</p> -<p>“You are very polite, sir, but you wish to take -advantage of my vanity. Inventors always like to speak of their -investigations, you are thinking; and I wish to repay this -gentleman for the kindness he has shown my sister. But it would -doubtless serve you right if I bored you with my discoveries, -took your curiosity seriously, and showed you my -samples.”</p> -<p>The Italian bent down his head, and, in contrite tones, -said—</p> -<p>“I am indeed sorry you imagined I was not sincere. All -you have told me interests me greatly. Doubtless I am not so -frivolous as your compatriots, and since you appear to defy me -examining your results, with satisfaction to myself, I now ask -you to have the kindness to show me them, unless you were joking, -in which case I should not have understood you, as I do not -always seize all the finesse of your language. In which case I -must ask you to pardon me.”</p> -<p>“Indeed, I was not jesting; I was perfectly -serious,” <a name="page146"></a><span class="pagenum">p. -146</span>said Marcel, gaily. “I still believe you will be -punished for your curiosity. But since you insist, follow me; I -will show you my laboratory.”</p> -<p>“Many thanks!” exclaimed Cesare. “I was -afraid I should vex you.”</p> -<p>“In what way? You would believe in the most marvellous -things, did I not show you my poor results. Take care not to soil -yourself; everything here is not perfectly clean.”</p> -<p>Opening the door of the summer-house, he introduced the Count -into the panelled room, leading to the laboratory, and which he -used as a workroom. A blush mounted to Cesare’s temples. He -looked eagerly around. On a Louis XVI. bureau, leaning against -the wall, were scattered some papers covered with figures. A -half-opened drawer exhibited boxes of different sizes and -colours, carefully labelled. A massive table supported -wide-mouthed jars, on the rough glass of which could be read the -indications: sulphuric acid, nitro-benzine, picric acid, and a -whole series of chlorates. The Italian, pointing to the table, -said—</p> -<p>“Ah! Here are some chemicals you do not make use of for -your dyes!”</p> -<p>“No,” said Marcel, evasively; “those are for -something else.”</p> -<p>And, as his visitor drew near, stretching out his hand towards -one of the wide-mouthed jars—</p> -<p>“Do not touch these jars—they are dangerous. If, -by any chance, you were to upset the contents, both yourself and -myself might find ourselves in a very disagreeable position. Come -this way!”</p> -<p>Opening the door of the laboratory, he bade him take a seat in -the alchemist’s armchair, by the window, as he -said—</p> -<p>“Here you may smoke, if you like, without danger; there -is nothing explosive here.”</p> -<p><a name="page147"></a><span class="pagenum">p. -147</span>“Whilst in the next room?” asked the -Italian, carelessly.</p> -<p>“In the next room, if you threw down a match in the -wrong place, you might explode the whole works!”</p> -<p>“Diavolo! Then I will stop smoking even here, my dear -sir, for I have no wish to leave the place by way of the -roof.”</p> -<p>He patiently examined Marcel’s fine samples of dyed -wool. Apparently he was listening attentively, but his awakened -intelligence, his piercing eyes under his half-closed eyelids -were busied with that “something else,” of which -Marcel had spoken so briefly. But nothing in the laboratory -appeared to have any reference to that mysterious task, which -demanded the manipulation of such dangerous products.</p> -<p>“I should like you,” said the Italian, “to -give me some of these beautiful cloths, of such a rich and -harmonious colouring. I will take them to my sister, who can -embroider like a fairy. She will start some magnificent piece of -work, which will sooth her solitude, and thus you will see the -effect of your colours, artistically employed.”</p> -<p>“If you will permit me, I will bring them myself,” -said Marcel.</p> -<p>“As you please. We are always at home about five -o’clock. But do not delay, for I shall soon be leaving the -neighbourhood.”</p> -<p>“Very well! To-morrow, if that will not inconvenience -you?”</p> -<p>“Not at all. To-morrow, then.”</p> -<p>The Italian rose from his seat. He walked round the -laboratory, and drew near the window overlooking the river.</p> -<p>“Ah! You are close to the water here. You might even -fish from the window, without descending into the <a -name="page148"></a><span class="pagenum">p. 148</span>garden. Are -you not afraid of some one entering the laboratory? A few -marauders in a boat could enter the summer-house.”</p> -<p>“Who would ever think of such a thing!” exclaimed -Marcel. “Besides, as is well known, there is nothing to -take. And, then, the inhabitants of this district are very honest -people.”</p> -<p>“But have you no foreign employees at the -works?”</p> -<p>“Very seldom. A few from Belgium or from Luxembourg. As -few as possible, for they are difficult to deal with.”</p> -<p>“You do not live in this summer-house? You never sleep -here?”</p> -<p>“No; there is no convenience—simply a barn above -the ground floor, that is all. I live in the house opposite the -manager’s. It is small, but very comfortable. My uncle -Graff lived there several months.”</p> -<p>“You are very fortunate to have family relations,” -said Cesare, in sorrowful tones. “My sister and I are -alone—private dissensions have alienated us from the -Briviescas. M. Vignola had no relations. We are obliged to be all -in all to one another.”</p> -<p>“Your sister is a young and charming lady. She may marry -again.”</p> -<p>“She never thinks of it. After all the sorrow caused by -her union with M. Vignola, she aspires after nothing but peace -and rest. Oh, she has suffered so much! The diseased and unhappy -Vignola was madly jealous. He. could not endure his wife to be -absent from him a single hour. He must have her constantly before -his eyes. He left her a great fortune at his death. Poor -compensation for all the tortures he inflicted on her! But now he -is dead. Peace to his memory!”</p> -<p>“Your sister has no children?”</p> -<p><a name="page149"></a><span class="pagenum">p. -149</span>“No, sir; that is her greatest sorrow.”</p> -<p>The image of the young woman, in deep mourning, walking -sorrowfully about the woods, was evoked in Marcel’s -imagination. Very pretty to be inconsolate at the loss of an old -husband! How old could she be? Twenty-five years, perhaps, at the -most, and no knowledge of life except grief and sadness. Cesare -arose, and took his leave. Marcel accompanied him across the -garden to the gate, and there said, with a cordial -smile—</p> -<p>“Till to-morrow, then, sir, my respectful homage to your -sister.”</p> -<p>When he had gone, Marcel made his way towards the works, when -he saw M. Cardez coming in his direction, even redder than usual, -and with a dark frown on his brow.</p> -<p>“Ah, M. Marcel, I was calling to see you! I have a great -deal of worry, and am indeed very pleased that you are here, so -that you may understand yourself, and inform Messieurs Baradier -and Graff.”</p> -<p>“What is the matter?”</p> -<p>“The fact is, the dyers are not pleased with their -working hours, and threaten to come out on strike.”</p> -<p>“Ah! That is something fresh.”</p> -<p>“Fresh? No, it has been coming on for more than three -weeks; the plot has only been developing. I was in hopes that, -summer coming on, and the hours of daylight being more numerous, -some arrangement might be reached. Now there is another cause of -grievance. Instead of working more, they want to work less and -earn more!”</p> -<p>“Ah! Are their claims justified?”</p> -<p>The manager, standing upright, cast a look of indignation on -the son of his master.</p> -<p>“Are workmen’s claims ever justified? This class -of people have only one programme: the minimum of work and the -maximum of wages.”</p> -<p><a name="page150"></a><span class="pagenum">p. -150</span>“After all,” said Marcel, calmly, -“they are only like other men.”</p> -<p>“Ah, sir, let their ringleaders talk in that way; do not -speak so yourself.”</p> -<p>“Why not?”</p> -<p>“Because, with philanthropic theories, and -<i>laisser-aller</i> tendencies, we should soon be no longer -masters of our own works; they would put us out of -doors.”</p> -<p>Marcel looked gravely at the manager, and replied—</p> -<p>“My opinion is entirely opposed to yours. I think that -if workmen were treated as partners they would work better and -keep better discipline. There is a huge misunderstanding between -Capital and Labour. They treat one another as enemies, when they -ought to proceed in concerted action, like allies.”</p> -<p>“Eh? That is downright Socialism.”</p> -<p>“No! It is simply co-operation.”</p> -<p>“And do you know,” said Cardez, looking slily at -Marcel, “what is the principal reason of the discontent of -the dyers?”</p> -<p>“The principal reason? Then the grievances they have -manifested are only a pretext?”</p> -<p>“Nothing more. These workmen, in whose lot you are so -interested, are full of deceit and treachery; they never show -their real motives. Well, the dyers, in their secret meetings, -rail at your inventions—they are displeased with your new -dyeing processes!”</p> -<p>“Ah! The fools!”</p> -<p>An expression of triumph appeared on Cardez’s -ill-tempered face.</p> -<p>“What did I tell you! Here are processes they are not -yet acquainted with; and they maintain that your object is to -simplify the workmanship, and, consequently, to do without -workmen. Now they want to <a name="page151"></a><span -class="pagenum">p. 151</span>strike, to obtain concessions -regarding both work and wages.”</p> -<p>“They have been ill-advised. When the real state of -things is explained they will easily understand. Then they will -see that, far from injuring them, the improvements I shall -introduce into the manufacture are entirely to their -advantage.”</p> -<p>“They will never admit that.”</p> -<p>“Suppose I prove it to them?”</p> -<p>“Their ringleaders will prove the contrary.”</p> -<p>“Who are these ringleaders?”</p> -<p>“A few Belgians.”</p> -<p>“Send them away.”</p> -<p>“Ah, that would be very imprudent! Better have patience, -and try to come to an understanding. These men are from the -Wallon district, and when they have drunk one glass of brandy too -many you may fear anything at their hands. It was one of these -Belgians who struck the overseer with a knife last year. They are -good workmen, but terribly exacting and disagreeable. There is -nothing to fear for the present. They want an eye keeping on -them. Now, if you would like to call them together and speak to -them, you will see what you can make of the matter.”</p> -<p>He spoke in sneering tones. Marcel well understood that the -manager, speaking from experience, was thinking: Have a little -experience of these brutes, my young novice, and you will learn -to know them. Speak to them nicely, explaining that it is to -their advantage to work without grumbling, so that you may have a -fine profit at the year’s end, whilst they have had the -greatest difficulty to make ends meet. Try to obtain their -approval. Afterwards, come and tell me what result you have -obtained. Unless you give them the works, and capital to keep it -going, <a name="page152"></a><span class="pagenum">p. -152</span>perhaps even guaranteeing them dividends, you will -never make them satisfied!</p> -<p>Marcel would not discuss any longer with Cardez. He did not -consider it necessary to weaken the authority of the manager at -such a critical moment. He determined to give him all possible -help to avoid the difficulties he foresaw.</p> -<p>“You may be sure, M. Cardez, that if I can do anything -to help you, you have only to mention it. It is possible we may -not have the same ideas on the way of settling Labour -difficulties. Still, it is of no use waiting till the house is on -fire before discussing the fire-brigade system by which the -conflagration may most surely be extinguished. The best thing to -do is to use the means nearest at hand. Consequently, do as you -think best. Have you informed my father of the matter?”</p> -<p>“No; indeed, I am not in the habit of tormenting -<i>my</i> masters with an account of the difficulties of the -works here. There will be plenty of time, in case things become -more serious.”</p> -<p>“Very good; we will wait.”</p> -<p>At that hour the Count Cesare Agostini reached the Villa de la -Cavée, and after traversing the garden he entered a small -salon on the ground floor, where the young lady, in mourning, -lolling on an easy-chair, was lazily reading a novel. The setting -sun, entering through the window, shed his golden rays on the -reader’s face. She was no longer the melancholy and timid -widow Marcel had met in the woods. Her hair, thrown back on to -her forehead, gave her delicate profile a look of audacious -pride. On hearing Cesare enter the room, she flung down her book, -rose eagerly to her feet, and, in joyous tones, said—</p> -<p>“Well, <i>caro mio</i>, you are back at last! Are you -satisfied with your mission?”</p> -<p><a name="page153"></a><span class="pagenum">p. -153</span>“As far as one can be. I have seen your pigeon. -He actually holds out the wing, without being asked. You will -obtain no merit in plucking such a confiding youth, -Sophia.”</p> -<p>She laughed outright.</p> -<p>“Never mind merit! I can do without glory. Success will -suffice for me. So you found the ground well prepared?”</p> -<p>“I am afraid distractions are sadly lacking in this -district, and that our appearance in the woods has already -produced its effect on Marcel.”</p> -<p>“Then he will come?”</p> -<p>“Yes; and not later than to-morrow. I told him I was -going away. Consequently you will have the field free to do as -you please. Do not let this affair lag; you have your revenge to -take.”</p> -<p>“Ah, <i>mio caro</i>, the <i>coup</i> missed the first -time, all through Hans’ stupid obstinacy. Had he left me to -act as I pleased, the General would finally have offered me his -formulæ on a silver plate, and kneeling into the bargain. -Hans wished to rush everything through, and old Trémont, -infatuated as he was, became distrustful. Sorry adventure, in -which our friend lost his arm, and almost all of us just missed -being compromised. The most stupid part of it was that the -General had said to Hans, as he pointed out to him the steel -box—a fine box of Fichet’s, supplied with one of -those admirable locks, so very complicated, but which are of no -use whatever: ‘Look here, my friend, it is impossible to -open this without my permission. All my secrets are inside. On -raising this lid all my formula would be found. But then one must -know how to do it; otherwise one may die in the attempt.’ -Ah, ah! Old Trémont spoke the truth! He had made his box -into a kind of reversing bomb. One must know how to handle it. -Hans perceived <a name="page154"></a><span class="pagenum">p. -154</span>the necessity of this. All the same, he distrusted -himself. He had taken the precaution to go out on to the perron -of the house, and there he tried to open the box. Ah, <i>caro -mio</i>, when the explosion took place the very earth trembled! I -had already returned to Paris in the carriage. The vibration was -so great that the very windows of the brougham shook. I thought -to myself: There, Hans has smashed up everything! I had no idea I -was so near the truth, for the house was entirely destroyed. I -cannot possibly understand how Hans, who had succeeded in opening -the lock of the box, and who, lying on the ground a score of -yards away, behind a tree, drew off the lid with a cord, justly -dreading some devilish trick or other, was not completely blown -to pieces.”</p> -<p>“But since the lock was opened, how was the explosion -produced?”</p> -<p>“It was when the lid was raised that the explosion -happened. Did the box overturn? It was a very heavy one. Was -there some special manner of placing it, when removing the lid, -to prevent a prime of fulminate going off? Was it clock-work, -arranged in a certain manner? All is mere conjecture. What is -certain enough is that, in a second, box, formulæ, powders, -house, Hans’ arm, and all our hopes disappeared at the same -time. Our friend must have shown extraordinary energy not to have -been surprised by all the people who came running up from all -directions. You may believe me when I say that, so long as I was -not assured that he was out of danger, I felt very -anxious.”</p> -<p>“Ah, you are an intelligent woman, Sophia—really -clever and brave! Now we must make amends for a preliminary -defeat, and nonplus this young booby of a Marcel.”</p> -<p>“Just leave the matter to me. He seemed a very nice -young fellow.”</p> -<p><a name="page155"></a><span class="pagenum">p. -155</span>“You are right; but don’t go and fall in -love with him, whatever you do.”</p> -<p>She burst into a laugh.</p> -<p>“I have other things to attend to. Besides, Cesare, is -it so easy to find a rival to yourself?”</p> -<p>The handsome Italian shook his head.</p> -<p>“You are so strange, Sophia, whatever is difficult is -the very thing to tempt you.”</p> -<p>“A scene of jealousy between you and me, Cesare!” -said Sophia, ironically. “Do we not know one another well -enough to be <i>blasés</i> as regards our mutual qualities -and failings? Shall I be jealous, the day I have married you to -Lichtenbach’s wealthy daughter? Just close your eyes, and -leave me free to act. Besides, if you acted otherwise, that would -be all of no use. You are well aware that I have never done -anything that did not please me, even with personages far more -redoubtable than yourself.”</p> -<p>“Come, come, Sophia, do not get excited! If I do not -stop you, you will be threatening me in a minute. Ah, you have a -will of iron!”</p> -<p>“Yes; and just now it is my will to completely subjugate -this young Baradier.”</p> -<p>“Poor fellow, you will succeed only too -easily!”</p> -<p>“Ah! Now you are going to pity him, are you?”</p> -<p>They both laughed outright. Then the young woman -asked—</p> -<p>“Have you visited the dwelling?”</p> -<p>“Yes. I have also obtained an entrance into the -laboratory without the slightest effort.”</p> -<p>“Did you see anything special?”</p> -<p>“A number of spiders’ webs, several broken phials, -and tubs of various colours, in which pieces of cloth were -soaking.”</p> -<p>“Nothing resembling the powders we are in search -of?”</p> -<p><a name="page156"></a><span class="pagenum">p. -156</span>“Nothing whatever. I must say that, in one of the -rooms of the summer-house, the young man charitably warned me -that if I touched a single one of the flagons lying on the table -some catastrophe might result. Accordingly, it is there he -manipulates his products, or, at any rate, conceals them. In the -next room there is nothing suspicious. He said to me: ‘Here -you may smoke, if you like, and that without the slightest -danger.’”</p> -<p>“That is worth knowing.”</p> -<p>“Do you think of going to see him?”</p> -<p>“I think of nothing and of everything. Does one ever -know what means will have to be employed in the performance of -anything? Wisdom consists in preparing several, so as not to be -caught unexpectedly. I have undertaken to obtain possession of -and hand over the formulæ of the General de Trémont. -For me, it is a matter of self-respect, as well as a question of -interest. I will not admit that I cannot succeed in anything I -undertake. Our friends abroad would consider me as having -depreciated in ability if I failed, and you know what their -support is worth to me. So long as my influence lasts, the Baron -Grodsko will remain aloof, and not trouble about me. If my -protection were to cease to-morrow, Heaven knows what sort of -account I should have to give him!”</p> -<p>Cesare looked at the young woman in surprise.</p> -<p>“Ah! You are almost overcome with emotion. Are you -afraid of him?”</p> -<p>Sophia became serious.</p> -<p>“I am afraid of no one in the world, as you know. Still, -Grodsko is a terrible man, especially when he is not -drunk.”</p> -<p>“But then he is always drinking. Is it because he likes -drink?”</p> -<p>“No! It is to forget,”</p> -<p><a name="page157"></a><span class="pagenum">p. -157</span>“Forget what? You?”</p> -<p>“Perhaps.”</p> -<p>“He was passionately fond of you, I suppose?”</p> -<p>“So were all the other men.”</p> -<p>“Is it long since you saw him?”</p> -<p>“Some years.”</p> -<p>“And he is still at Monte Carlo?”</p> -<p>“In the winter. During the summer he lives at -Vienna.”</p> -<p>“And he drinks both at Monte Carlo and in -Vienna?”</p> -<p>“Yes, and gambles as well. He has a way of drinking -which leaves his brain perfectly clear, so that he is able to -play.”</p> -<p>“Does he win?”</p> -<p>“Often. But then, what does that matter to -him?”</p> -<p>“Then he is so rich that he is indifferent to his -winnings? Lucky man!”</p> -<p>“Grodsko is proprietor of a whole district in Moravia. -He owns forests, mountains, and villages. His forests furnish the -finest pines in Europe. The mountains are bored through and -through with mines from which copper and tin are extracted. As -for villages, Grodsko, with the peasants on his domains, could, -in case of war, furnish a couple of regiments.”</p> -<p>“And you left this nabob?”</p> -<p>“Yes, for a young man, who had nothing but his beauty to -recommend him.”</p> -<p>“What did Grodsko say to that?”</p> -<p>“He said nothing, he set out in our pursuit, overtook -us, and killed my companion.”</p> -<p>“Whilst you?”</p> -<p>“I had reached the frontier when Grodsko came up to -me.”</p> -<p><a name="page158"></a><span class="pagenum">p. -158</span>“And there followed—”</p> -<p>“An explanation, in the course of which, as he dared to -raise his hand against me, I planted in his arm one of the knives -lying on the table, on which I had just finished -lunch.”</p> -<p>“What exquisite relations you had with one another! And -did that satisfy him?”</p> -<p>“No. He bound me with cords and took me back to Vienna -in his carriage. There I succeeded in escaping from him, thanks -to certain irresistible influences. It cost me very dear to -regain my liberty. Still, from that day I had no longer anything -to fear, and could travel all over the world as I -pleased.”</p> -<p>“What was the name of the great personage who rendered -you this service?”</p> -<p>Sophia looked at the handsome Italian mockingly; she clacked -her fingers as though they were castanets, and replied—</p> -<p>“If any one asks you, you will say you know nothing -about it?”</p> -<p>“Then you have no confidence in me, Sophia?”</p> -<p>“I have confidence in no one, scarcely in myself. -Acknowledge that I am frank with you. I might tell you all kinds -of tales—that it was the minister of police, or an -archduke, or a foreign ambassador, or all three combined, who set -me free. Be assured, all the same, that I have contracted -obligations towards those who served me, and whom I am serving in -my turn.”</p> -<p>“Whatever obligations you are under to them, they have -done a very good stroke of business in obtaining such an ally as -yourself. Is there another so good in the whole world? You have -the genius of corruption, and I do not think there is a -conscience anywhere strong enough to resist you. If seductive -charm is needed, you will succeed <a name="page159"></a><span -class="pagenum">p. 159</span>in everything you undertake. Ah, -your power is indeed very great and terrible!”</p> -<p>Sophia smiled bitterly, she raised her head, and her -countenance assumed a threatening expression.</p> -<p>“All my power consists in my scorn of humanity. I -believe men are capable of everything. The sole question is to -find the way to make them act. I have seen men, though heroes in -the face of death, turn pale and trembling at the idea of being -deprived of their pleasures. The most rigid from the point of -view of honour, brought into contact with poverty, become -accessible to the basest compromises. To turn an honest man into -a thief, all that is needed is a woman’s smile. To make the -mildest of men shed the blood of another, you need simply arouse -his jealousy. These poor wretches who people the earth act, and -are unconscious of the influence inspiring them. Men are like -puppets, the strings of which are held by firm, audacious hands, -whilst they accomplish the most sublime or the most infamous -actions at will. And all this, merely through some favourable or -perverse influence, a string pulled on one side or the other. And -man, irresponsible agent of a destiny he is unable to modify, is -treated as a hero or a brigand, carried aloft in triumph or flung -into the gutter.”</p> -<p>“But virtue, Sophia, the love of right?”</p> -<p>“Mere accidents, my friend. Do not make them into -general rules. The majority of people are virtuous because they -have never had the opportunity of being rascals. But have no -doubt that they would have been, and very successful ones, with -the greatest ease. The human soul, Cesare, is a ground ready -prepared for vice and crime. It is simply a question of what seed -you intend to sow there. Very well! I am a sower, as you have -said. I excel in growing the fruit of corruption. Young Marcel -Baradier is now going to be my experiment field.”</p> -<p><a name="page160"></a><span class="pagenum">p. -160</span>“Great good may it do him!”</p> -<p>“Had he been content with the profession of a banker, or -the business of a cotton manufacturer, nothing of what is now -being prepared would have happened; he would have lived a happy, -quiet life. But he has dabbled in chemistry, and that has spoiled -everything.”</p> -<p>The sun had sunk behind the hill, and the small room was quite -dark. Sophia and Cesare could no longer distinguish one another. -At last the young woman arose from her seat, and said—</p> -<p>“Come, we have had sufficient philosophy. What does all -that prove? They are nothing but mere words. Fortune does not -come to those who speak, but to those who act.”</p> -<h3><a name="page161"></a><span class="pagenum">p. -161</span>CHAPTER II</h3> -<p><span class="smcap">After</span> Baudoin had been a fortnight -at the works, he was astonished to find that Marcel had passed -from a state of perfect calm to one of extreme agitation. The -young man, who spent the greater part of his time in the -summer-house, either working or indulging in day-dreams, had -suddenly begun to leave the laboratory after lunch, and did not -return before night set in. A more significant fact was that -Marcel’s appearance had changed as well as his habits. -Instead of a country costume—soft felt hat and heavy -shoes—a quiet, refined elegance now characterized him. The -expression of his countenance, too, was far different from the -one he had assumed previously; his eyes shone more brightly, even -his voice sounded more vibrating. Baudoin thought, “There -is a woman at the bottom of all this.”</p> -<p>He had had experience when with the General de Trémont, -and was well acquainted with that tension of the nerves which -enters into the slightest movements. He knew the meaning of that -satisfied little humming and that firm step on the floor, of -conquering though feverish sound. There was a woman at the bottom -of it, without the slightest doubt. Baudoin felt anxious. In that -quiet country district, how had his master found the opportunity -of falling into a passion? He instituted a discreet inquiry.</p> -<p>He had made the acquaintance of the landlord of the Golden -Lion, the principal hotel of Ars, a former cook, <a -name="page162"></a><span class="pagenum">p. 162</span>who had -served in the Army, and proudly wore at his buttonhole, on -Sundays, a blue and yellow ribbon, brought from Tonkin. Whilst -drinking a bitter, Baudoin chatted with him, and listened to all -the local gossip he retailed. He questioned him: Were there any -strangers in the district? Did his hotel contain any fresh -arrivals? Had any fair ladies been seen lately in the town?</p> -<p>All these questions received categoric replies. No one staying -with him or anywhere in Ars could be suspected by any stretch of -imagination of having disturbed Marcel’s peace of mind. The -only thing to do was to make inquiries in the outskirts.</p> -<p>“A young gentleman and a young lady,” said the -landlord, “are staying at the Villa de la Cavée. But -they are in mourning, and never visit the town, but live in very -retired fashion. They have hired carriages on three occasions, -for driving in the environs. The young lady has never shown -herself at Ars, and I could not say whether she is pretty or -ugly. My coachman, who drove them, said that they look very sad, -and speak very politely to one another. He thinks they are -brother and sister. At any rate, they are not French.”</p> -<p>Baudoin could obtain nothing more. This, however, was quite -sufficient, and he determined to secretly watch his master, to -try to find out the object of his walks. The fact that the young -Jady was very sorrowful and in mourning seemed no reason to him -why his master should not fall in love with her. On the contrary; -besides, he had an instinctive distrust of foreigners who passed -as brother and sister.</p> -<p>The following day, his friend of the Golden Lion said to -him—</p> -<p>“I have some news for you regarding the people at the -villa. The young man left this morning. He was driven to the -railway, and is going to Paris; his luggage was <a -name="page163"></a><span class="pagenum">p. 163</span>registered -by the coachman. The young lady is now alone.”</p> -<p>That evening Baudoin noticed that his master returned home -later than usual, and on the coat he flung off he discovered -small pieces of moss, as though Marcel had been seated in the -woods. The following day, about two o’clock, the young man -went out as usual. Baudoin, who had made arrangements to keep a -watch on him, starting out before him, waited for him at the -bottom of the Cavée, to make certain that he had proceeded -in that direction. Seated under the arbour of an inn, close to -the town, he did not lose sight of the Ars road, which mounts -towards the woods of Bossicant. After waiting half an hour, he -saw Marcel, wearing a grey suit, and with a new straw hat on his -head, come along, at a brisk pace, his stick under his arm, and -his face lit up with pleasure.</p> -<p>“Ah, my friend,” said Baudoin to himself, -“you are on the way to meet your lady-love! You would not -be stepping out at such a brisk pace were your mission merely to -gather herbs on the hills.”</p> -<p>He allowed the young man to go on ahead, then he followed him -with infinite precautions. Marcel was, indeed, going in the -direction of the villa. Since he had been introduced to Madame -Vignola, the whole tenor of his life had changed. He no longer -thought either of chemistry, of the works, or even of his family. -There was nothing in the world for him except the ravishing -Italian. Could his uncle Graff have seen him, he would have said, -“Ah, caught again! He has lost his head and his heart once -more!” The fact was, he well knew that feverish state, -which rendered Marcel incapable of thinking of anything else than -his inamorata, and capable of the greatest acts of madness in the -pursuit.</p> -<p>But the special sign of love with this inflammable young <a -name="page164"></a><span class="pagenum">p. 164</span>fellow was -the reasoning rigour with which he pursued the conquest of the -loved one. He was an engineer and a mathematician even in his -passion, neglecting nothing, and profiting by everything to -advance his cause, and the court he paid was a veritable -siege.</p> -<p>Madame Vignola had only needed half a day, spent with Marcel, -in her brother’s presence, to obtain sole possession of the -young man’s mind. She had shown herself so charming and -modest, and so cajoling, and chaste, that Cesare, who was, all -the same, well aware what this remarkable actress was capable of, -was quite stupefied at the result. The art of deception reaching -such a stage of perfection became real genius. In dilettante -fashion the handsome Italian had followed the progressive phases -of his pretended sister’s manoeuvring. The two hours Marcel -had passed at the villa had sped away like a flash of lightning. -And the young swain, already love-smitten, had been obliged to -retire, when he thought he had only been there a few moments.</p> -<p>True, Madame Vignola, at her brother’s request, had -seated herself at the piano, and, with penetrating and expressive -tones, had sung a few Dalmatian airs in true artistic style. -Marcel, an excellent musician himself, had accompanied the young -woman, and afterwards offered some musical scores he kept at Ars -as a distraction for the solitary evenings he often spent there. -At his earnest request, Cesare had postponed his departure, and -the following afternoon had been spent in the woods of Bossicant -wandering along the narrow alleys, breathing the keen fresh air -of the plain, and chatting in friendly fashion. That evening -Cesare had pointed with a smile to his sister’s animated -and healthy looking countenance, saying to Marcel—</p> -<p>“You see what good it does her to have change and -distraction. You would scarcely take her to be the same person. -Ah! If only she could forget her grief every day <a -name="page165"></a><span class="pagenum">p. 165</span>in the same -way, her usual health and good spirits would quickly come -back.”</p> -<p>“Then stay on; why should you go away?” asked -Marcel.</p> -<p>“Ah! It is not I who can give her the distraction she -needs,” said the handsome Italian, heedlessly.</p> -<p>A moment later he appeared to regret having spoken so -frankly.</p> -<p>“It is much easier for strangers, you see, than for -intimates to obtain a fortunate change in the dispositions of -people who suffer.”</p> -<p>“But your sister is not suffering! Look with what an -alert and supple step she is walking there, in front of -us.”</p> -<p>“Yes; but just now her nerves sustain her. This very -night she will relapse into a feeling of melancholy, and be -completely prostrated. I shall not be able to draw a single word -from her.”</p> -<p>“If you would authorize me to call and see her, and she -also would permit me, I should find great pleasure in her -company.”</p> -<p>The Italian grasped Marcel effusively by the hand.</p> -<p>“I do not know how to thank you for your kindness. But -it would be expecting too much from you. Poor Anetta would -quickly tire out your patience. She is a capricious child. You do -not know her yet.”</p> -<p>They had no opportunity to continue, for Madame Vignola turned -towards them a questioning look, which asked—</p> -<p>“What are you two plotting there?”</p> -<p>“Count Cesare, madame, is handing over to me his -authority over you during his absence,” said Marcel, gaily. -“He is making me responsible for your state of mind. -Accordingly, from to-morrow, I am in charge of your good <a -name="page166"></a><span class="pagenum">p. 166</span>or bad -temper. But you must be willing to put up with my -tyranny.”</p> -<p>Her countenance became grave; in low but fascinating tones she -said—</p> -<p>“Yes, he is right. You must not leave me. When I am -alone all kinds of gloomy thoughts come into my head. Be a friend -to me. Cesare will not be long away, and then we will resume our -walks in the woods. Until then, call for me at the villa; you -will always be welcome.”</p> -<p>Count Agostini had left, and Marcel, by invitation, was now -calling at the Cavée. The nearer he drew the faster became -his pace, and his temples were quite flushed. On reaching the -villa he suddenly slackened his steps, for he had heard Madame -Vignola’s voice. She was alone in the salon, the windows -were open, and the passionate melody, in which both art and -sentiment were wonderfully blended, had filled Marcel’s -soul with a keen jealousy. It was the “Gipsies’ -Cantilena,” by Marackzy, the great Hungarian artist, who -died of grief when in full possession of his genius and -glory—</p> -<blockquote><p>“Viens sur ma levre parfumée,<br /> -Rose fremissante et pamée,<br /> -Trempée encore des pleurs d’amour,<br /> -Cueillir le baiser, dont la flamme <br /> -Fera de mon cœur a ton âme<br /> -Jaillir. . . . ”</p> -</blockquote> -<p>The song stopped suddenly, as though the voice were broken by -sobs. It seemed to Marcel that the singer’s very heart had -broken under the influence of some mysterious grief. Unable to -contain himself, he rushed through the garden, and reached the -salon. Madame Vignola was still seated at the piano. She was -weeping bitterly, her beautiful pale face leaning on her hand. At -the sight Marcel gave a cry of pain, which made the young woman -suddenly look <a name="page167"></a><span class="pagenum">p. -167</span>up. Holding out her hand to Marcel, apparently ashamed -at being thus surprised, she said—</p> -<p>“Pardon me. I ought never to sing when I am alone. These -harmonious strains agitate me, and recall to my mind souvenirs -that are too painful.”</p> -<p>“<i>Mon Dieu</i>! What is the matter? Have confidence in -me.”</p> -<p>“No, no! Do not ask me.”</p> -<p>Closing the piano, and summoning a smile to her face, she -said—</p> -<p>“Let us talk about you, not about me.”</p> -<p>She looked at Marcel, and said, in tones of affectionate -reproof—</p> -<p>“How warm you are! You have been walking too fast, and -the hill is so steep! It will be my turn to scold if you do not -act sensibly. Now come out into the garden.”</p> -<p>He quietly followed her. They walked along the small alleys of -the tiny garden, then seated themselves under the shade of the -blossoming lilacs, where they entered into a chat, talking of -everything except of what they really thought.</p> -<p>On the road, Baudoin had not lost sight of his master. When -Marcel had entered the villa the servant had approached with -considerable precaution. Madame Vignola’s singing had -stopped as soon as Marcel appeared, so that Baudoin had heard -nothing. He took good care not to pass in front of the door, but -followed a footpath along the wall which continued in the -direction of the wood, along a high copse crowned with large -trees. On reaching the thicket he climbed the slope, and, -concealed behind a bush, was able to catch a glimpse of the -garden. The lilacs, under which Anetta and Marcel were chatting, -grew at the foot of the mound which Baudoin had chosen as his -observatory. There <a name="page168"></a><span class="pagenum">p. -168</span>they were, seated with their backs towards him, about -thirty yards away.</p> -<p>Baudoin reflected. Who can this woman dressed in black be? She -looks young, and of very good figure. Marcel loses no time once -he sets out on a campaign. But perhaps all preliminaries have -been facilitated for him? What is this young stranger doing here, -and what interest is it of hers to place herself in immediate -communication with M. Marcel? What are they speaking of, there, -under my very eyes? Certainly it cannot be business. Then love -must be the bait at the end of the line. The hook is well -concealed, and will appear at the right moment.</p> -<p>During this monologue the two friends continued their -conversation. They sat there, near one another, but the sound of -their words did not reach Baudoin. At the end of an hour they -stood upright, and the young woman turned round so as to face -Baudoin. <i>He</i> examined her with astonishment and admiration, -for seldom had he seen a more beautiful face. He was obliged to -acknowledge that he had never seen her hitherto. After all, what -resemblance had he expected? The “other” woman, the -one of Vanves, he had seen only in the shadow of night, and so as -to render it impossible to recognize her again. The only clues he -possessed were that characteristic favourite perfume of hers, and -the sound of her voice, which still vibrated in his ears.</p> -<p>He thought, “If I could only hear her speak! A single -sentence would be sufficient to enable me to recognize -her.” His heart leaped with joy, for the couple were now -slowly walking along the circular alley which passed close to the -foot of the mound not a dozen steps from where Baudoin was -concealed. They were speaking to one another without the -slightest suspicion that any one was listening. The former -soldier, like a hunter on the watch, who sees his <a -name="page169"></a><span class="pagenum">p. -169</span>long-expected quarry approach, with beating heart and -slightly dimmed eyes, listened with all the attention he was -capable of. He heard Marcel say—</p> -<p>“Now that you are free, do you intend to take up these -former plans of yours?”</p> -<p>And the woman, in caressing tones, but with an Italian accent, -replied—</p> -<p>“What is the use? I am now quite old. I am twenty-seven -years of age. Artistic triumphs would have no value for me now. -Sing in a theatre, in public;—be the object of -everybody’s gaze? Oh no. I no longer think of such a -thing.”</p> -<p>“And yet you would obtain a great success!”</p> -<p>“For whom?”</p> -<p>They passed by, and Baudoin was obliged to confess to himself -that this woman in mourning had not the same voice as the -“other,” the one who had brought death with her. He -saw the two promenaders disappear into the house, then he heard -the clear tones of the piano, and the pure vibrating voice of the -young woman arose, filling the silence of the woods with its -melodious accents. Thereupon Baudoin descended the mound, and -returned to Ars preoccupied and reflective. As he passed in front -of the post-office he entered and wrote the following -despatch:—</p> -<p>“Laforêt, War Office, rue Saint Dominique, Paris. -Come to Ars, near Troyes. Ask for me at works. -Baudoin.”</p> -<p>After paying he watched the transmission of his telegram, and, -slightly relieved, returned home. At seven o’clock Marcel -arrived. He dined without uttering a single word, and immediately -afterwards retired into the laboratory, where Baudoin heard him -pacing to and fro, far into the night.</p> -<p>Meanwhile Madame Vignola, seated in her small salon, <a -name="page170"></a><span class="pagenum">p. 170</span>an Oriental -cigarette between her lips, was cutting a pack of cards under the -complaisant looks of her chambermaid. The latter, a confidential -companion rather than a servant, was a small, dark-complexioned -woman, whom Sophia had had with her for the last ten years. Her -name was Milona, but she was always called Milo. She had been -born in the Carpathians, in the midst of a gipsy encampment. Her -mother had died by the side of a ditch, leaving her, at the age -of twelve, quite alone, and exposed to the attentions of a -villain of the band, who had been smitten with the precocious -grace of the child.</p> -<p>Sophia, as she passed through Trieste, in the course of her -adventurous life, had been present, in the court of the inn where -she had put up, at a quarrel between Milona and her ferocious -suitor. The little one boldly opposed the zingaro, who wished to -compel her to follow him, and to his loud-voiced threats uttered -in the Romany tongue, she replied by a determined denial and a -flashing look of defiance. The whole band, the only relations -Milona knew, supported the young bandit’s pretensions. But -Milona continued her refusal, when the chief of the band, an old -man with grey beard and white curly hair, a regular patriarch, -whose chief business was to steal poultry from the villages they -traversed, tried to reason with the young girl.</p> -<p>Sophia, with her elbows resting on the window-sill, was -enjoying the sight, and a feeling of sympathy came over her for -this proud child who would not submit to the man’s tyranny. -She appeared to understand the language these gipsies spoke, and -smiled at the highly-coloured expressions of their speech.</p> -<p>“Milona,” said the venerable poultry-thief, -“you are not acting aright. You refuse Zambo, who belongs -to the tribe, and loves you well, because you have been listening -to this little Hungarian hussar who has lately been making <a -name="page171"></a><span class="pagenum">p. 171</span>love to -you. And yet you are well aware that he is a dog, an enemy of our -race, who will soon tire of you, and leave you all alone. It was -to me your mother left you when she died. I have paid for your -training and food, taught you to tell fortunes, and all about -chieromancy and the composition of love philtres. Will you be -ungrateful and refuse to be the wife of my little nephew -Zambo?”</p> -<p>“I do not love him,” said the girl, dryly.</p> -<p>“But he loves you.”</p> -<p>“That does not matter to me.”</p> -<p>“But if you resist him, he will kill you.”</p> -<p>“That is my business!”</p> -<p>“Do you intend to leave us, then?”</p> -<p>“Yes. I am tired of living on robbery, and being clothed -in rags!”</p> -<p>“Then pay for your freedom.”</p> -<p>“I have no money. Wait, and some day the hussar will -give me my hands full of money.”</p> -<p>At these words, Zambo gave a terrible imprecation, and leapt -towards the child with the words—</p> -<p>“That is the last word you shall ever speak!”</p> -<p>And, brandishing a long dagger, he threw himself on Milona. At -that critical moment the Baroness Sophia gave a shrill, whistling -sound, which drew the attention of the whole band, and speaking -in their own tongue, she said—</p> -<p>“That is quite enough. I intend to send for the police. -You, old man, would you like to sell the girl?”</p> -<p>“Yes, your ladyship.”</p> -<p>“How much?”</p> -<p>“Twenty golden ducats.”</p> -<p>“You thief!”</p> -<p>“I cannot take less, your Excellency!”</p> -<p>A purse fell into the courtyard at the patriarch’s feet. -<a name="page172"></a><span class="pagenum">p. 172</span>He -picked it up with the rapidity of a juggler, counted the money, -and, after bowing to the Baroness, said to Milona—</p> -<p>“Thank your noble benefactress. She has paid; you are -free!”</p> -<p>“Come up here, little one,” said Sophia.</p> -<p>Immediately Milona, followed by the imprecations of her -disconcerted lover, flew into the inn. The window of the Baroness -was closed, and the gipsies, with vehement words and exaggerated -gestures, tried to give Zambo to understand that girls were far -less rare than ducats, and that, though his love remained to him -on account, the till of the troupe would be filled for a whole -year. Ever since this strange introduction, Milona had become -attached, with a wild and savage affection, to her deliverer. She -had served her indefatigably, and, with the exception of those -terrible secrets which Sophia entrusted to no one, she knew the -life-story of her mistress.</p> -<p>Sophia exhaled a puff of blue smoke, and hesitated before the -combination of her cards—</p> -<p>“King of hearts, nine of spades, and knave of -clubs,” said Milona, calmly, her finger pointing to the -spotted cards. “And then, queen of clubs, knave of hearts, -and seven of spades. Still the same reply. You will not -succeed!”</p> -<p>Sophia raised her bold though beautiful eyes up to her -companion, and, in her ordinary accents, which were different -from those in which she spoke Italian, said—</p> -<p>“I must succeed, I tell you, I must, Milona: do you -hear?”</p> -<p>“Shall we try the water test?”</p> -<p>“Yes, we have not tried it for some considerable -time.” Milona took a crystal cup filled with flowers. She -threw the bouquet on to the floor, and after extinguishing the <a -name="page173"></a><span class="pagenum">p. 173</span>wax candles -in the chandelier, with one single exception, placed the cup on -the table in such a way that the light might fall upon it from -behind. Then, drawing out one of the long gold pins which -fastened her hair, she crouched down on a stool, dipped the metal -stem into the vase, and commenced a strange chant. In the water, -through which the light penetrated, irisated eddies formed, and -the two women attentively watched the broken fugitive lines, the -tiny drops sparkling like diamonds, and the brilliant spirals of -the water stirred to motion by the gold needle. Milona -sang—</p> -<p>“Water is nought but trouble and mystery, light is -certainty and truth. Let the light penetrate the water, and cause -its secrets to be revealed. Turn, needle; shine, ray; water, -divide.”</p> -<p>“Look, Milo, look!” exclaimed Sophia, excitedly. -“The water is turning red, it seems to be turning into -blood!”</p> -<p>Milona continued her chant—</p> -<p>“Blood is strength and life. The blood of the brain is -victory. The blood of the heart is love. Turn, needle; redden, -blood. Grant us victory and love!”</p> -<p>Sophia, on her knees by the side of the table, was anxiously -watching with ardent eyes the crystal vase in which the water was -whirling round under the impulse given to it by the gold -needle.</p> -<p>“Look! Look again!” she exclaimed. “The -water is turning green! It is shining like an emerald!”</p> -<p>“The emerald is the colour of hope, and hope is the joy -of life. Turn, needle; water, become glaucous, like the eyes of -the sirens, whom a man follows to his death!”</p> -<p>Milona withdrew the gold needle. The water, again restored to -a state of calm, after having ceased turning around the sides of -the crystal vase, first assumed a greyish tint, then turned to a -dark colour.</p> -<p><a name="page174"></a><span class="pagenum">p. -174</span>“Milo,” exclaimed Sophia, in dismay, -“the water is black! It is a sign of mourning! Who is to -die?”</p> -<p>The servant, without replying, relit the candles, took the -crystal vase and threw out of the window the water which had just -been used for the experiment; then, in anger, she spat out into -the night—</p> -<p>“May he die who opposes you!” she said fiercely. -“Fate announces love, happiness, and death. You have the -privilege of not continuing the enterprise you have begun. The -spotted cards say you will not succeed. The water predicts death! -For whom? That we cannot learn. Stop, there is still -time.”</p> -<p>Sophia walked silently to and fro in the salon, then halted in -front of Milona, who sat there, in pensive calm.</p> -<p>“Do you believe in these predictions of -yours?”</p> -<p>“I do.”</p> -<p>Sophia lit a cigarette.</p> -<p>“What is the use of being superior in thought and -courage, of a bold audacity that recognizes no obstacle, if one -acts with the weak cowardice of an ordinary mortal? It is only in -whatever is difficult, if not impossible, Milo, that there is any -interest. How can one live like a common citizen when one -possesses the soul of a sovereign of mankind? No! Cost what it -may, one must follow one’s instinct, give evidence of -one’s will. You know me, Milo; you know that I give way -before no obstacle, once my resolution is taken. Why did you say -to me just now, ‘Renounce what you are undertaking; there -is still time?’”</p> -<p>“And you,” said Milona, gravely, “since you -are so firm in your plans, why do you consult cards, and ask the -water to lay bare to you its secret?”</p> -<p>Sophia smiled.</p> -<p>“What you say is just. But, after all, little one, -mortals are only human; that is to say, beings accessible to fear -<a name="page175"></a><span class="pagenum">p. 175</span>and -superstition. Don’t you know that doctors—who, after -all, are well aware how precarious and powerless is their -art—call other doctors to their bedsides when they are ill? -A concession to human frailty, Milo. Still, people do not think -any the worse of them.”</p> -<p>“And is all this in honour of the young man who has been -coming here every day since the Agostini first brought -him?”</p> -<p>“The Agostini, as you disrespectfully call him, brought -me this young man because I ordered him to do so. Do you not know -that he obeys me without discussion?”</p> -<p>“Oh, he will never discuss. But, some day or other, he -may no longer obey.”</p> -<p>“Poor Cesare is no favourite of yours,” said -Sophia, gaily.</p> -<p>“He is false, and a coward as well. If ever he tries to -strike you, it will be in the back.”</p> -<p>“But he loves me.”</p> -<p>“And do you return his affection?”</p> -<p>“Perhaps; though I am not very sure of it. Why do you -call him a coward? You are well aware that he fought a duel at -Palermo with the Marquis Belverani.”</p> -<p>“Because he knew he was the stronger or the more -skilful, and the other had struck him in the presence of fifty -people at the club, after accusing him of having cheated at -cards. And it was quite true; he did cheat!”</p> -<p>“No one will ever say so again, now that he has killed a -man for that very reason! Besides, the proof that he does not -cheat is that he always loses.”</p> -<p>“You know something about it?”</p> -<p>“Ah, what should I do with my money if I did not give it -to him?”</p> -<p>“You are right. Money is vile; it should serve no other -purpose than to satisfy one’s caprices. Its only value <a -name="page176"></a><span class="pagenum">p. 176</span>is in the -pleasures it procures; in itself it is worth no more than the -pebbles lying at one’s feet. Will the young man who comes -now give it you or receive it from you?”</p> -<p>“I do not think he would accept it, Milo,” said -Sophia, laughing. “You are a regular barbarian, and -incapable of understanding anything beyond bribery. There are -honest people on earth, little one, and they cannot be paid for -obtaining from them what one wishes. Other seductive means must -be employed.”</p> -<p>“Ah, that is why you sing when he is here! You will make -him mad, like all the others. And yet he looks so gentle and -charming!”</p> -<p>“That is true, but he is our enemy, Milo; and if he were -to discover who I am, and what I wish to obtain from him, I -should run the most terrible danger.”</p> -<p>“So the Agostini has brought him here to ruin -him?”</p> -<p>“In a way.”</p> -<p>“And he already loves you? Ah, your power over men is -irresistible. Take care, however, or some fine day you will be -caught in your turn. Then it will be terrible for you!”</p> -<p>“I have loved, as you well know. Love has nothing new to -teach me.”</p> -<p>“Your heart has never been touched, for all those you -have loved have been your victims. Sincere and pure love is no -assassin. It is a protection and self-sacrifice. Up to the -present, however, you have had to deal with none but -fortune-hunters, and it was pure justice to treat them as they -had been in the habit of treating their own victims. The day you -show the Agostini to the door, you may summon me to open it for -him. I will do it most gladly!”</p> -<p>“That day has not come yet.”</p> -<p>“What a pity!”</p> -<p><a name="page177"></a><span class="pagenum">p. -177</span>Sophia gave a weary toss of the head, and Milona -understood that she must cease this light jesting tone. She -said—</p> -<p>“I am going to close all the shutters, mistress, do you -need me any longer?”</p> -<p>“No, I am going to write. You will hear me when I retire -to rest.”</p> -<p>Seating herself in front of the table, she took an elegant -blotting-pad and began to trace, on perfumed paper, in a large -masculine hand, the following lines:—</p> -<blockquote><p>“<span class="smcap">My dear -Cesare</span>,</p> -<p>“Since you left me, I have not been wasting my time, nor -have you, I imagine, been inactive. Let me know how your -Lichtenbach affair is progressing. Here everything is going along -smoothly. Our young Marcel came to-day, overflowing with -enthusiasm, and surprised me singing the most plaintive songs -imaginable. Milona, who was on the look-out for him, had -signalled to me his approach, and I played the <i>rôle</i> -of despair with extraordinary success. He seemed frantic with -grief at seeing my tears flow. You know that I can weep at will, -and that in the most seductive fashion. I led him away into the -garden, and there, made him talk about himself. He is a regular -child, of most disconcerting simplicity, and so frank and open -that you would smile. To tell the truth, there will be no merit -in triumphing over such innocence. This lamb will hold out his -neck to the sacrificial knife. And we shall have our formula -willingly handed over, or I am greatly mistaken. Besides, I am -enjoying a delightful rest in this abandoned spot, and never -suffer from <i>ennui</i>, even for a single moment. In the midst -of such an adventurous life, it is long since I had time for -reflection, and now I am astonished at the result. The joys and -<a name="page178"></a><span class="pagenum">p. -178</span>pleasures for which I have sacrificed everything -hitherto, form, I am afraid, only one of the phases of life. -There is another I did not suspect, far more seductive and -beautiful. This afternoon, as I was listening to young Marcel -speaking to me of his father, his mother, and sister, with such -tender and delicate affection, a feeling of sadness came over me. -These are all good, honest people. They are happy in a mutual -love, and would be ready to undergo the greatest sacrifices for -one another. And, although nothing could be simpler, more upright -and monotonous than their existence, it cannot be disputed that -they find happiness in it.</p> -<p>“It is this lamb of a Marcel, who is the scapegrace of -the family. From time to time his father threatens him with his -malediction, and the poor fellow is very repentant for a whole -week. He comes and buries himself at Ars, like an anchorite in -the desert. During his penance he works in the laboratory, eats -the most ill-cooked food imaginable, and has quarrels with the -manager of the works, who seems to be a disagreeable fellow to -deal with. It is during these periods of repentance that the -interesting discoveries on the dyeing of wools and other -industrial stuffs—which, it appears, have a certain value, -as he explains to me in rather too much detail for my -liking—have been due.</p> -<p>“But, after all, he is a very fine fellow. He actually -asked me how old I was! He does not imagine that I am older than -himself, and I should not be astonished in the slightest, if he -were to cherish the idea of marrying me. I lead him by a -thread—he neither feels nor sees—on towards absolute -slavery. Then, after he has delivered up to me his secret, as all -the rest have done, I shall disappear. Once the mourning weeds of -Mme. Vignola flung aside, I shall again become the Baroness -Sophia, in which character I challenge my lover to recognize the -plaintive sorrowful <a name="page179"></a><span -class="pagenum">p. 179</span>widow he is paying court to just -now. So, you see, I am not neglecting business matters. I hope -you are doing the same on your side. The little Lichtenbach -heiress will be a multi-millionaire; that is well worth the -trouble of whispering words of love into her ear.</p> -<p>“A thousand kisses, Cesare. <i>Sempre -t’amero</i>.</p> -<p style="text-align: right">“<span -class="smcap">Sophia</span>.”</p> -</blockquote> -<p>She sealed the letter, took up a cigarette, and was preparing -to retire to rest, when three slight taps on the shutters sent a -shudder through her veins. She listened, an anxious frown on her -face, and, after a moment’s interval, the taps were -repeated. Opening a drawer, she seized a revolver, and, walking -deliberately to the window, half opened it, and, speaking through -the closed shutter, said in Italian accents—</p> -<p>“Who is there?”</p> -<p>A voice replied in muffled tones, “It is I—Hans; -there is nothing to fear, Sophia.”</p> -<p>A slight pallor came over her face, but she placed back the -revolver in the drawer, and, without replying, left the salon. On -reaching the outside door she drew the bolts, and noiselessly -opened the door. A tall man entered. Without the exchange of a -single word, she led the way to the salon, then carefully closed -the door. The man removed the felt hat which covered his head, -displaying a bold, rough countenance. He was a man of athletic -build, and very broad-shouldered, whilst a reddish beard covered -the lower portion of his face.</p> -<p>Taking a seat, he cast a keen look at Sophia, and -said—</p> -<p>“Who is with you, here?”</p> -<p>“Milona.”</p> -<p>“Where is Agostini?”</p> -<p><a name="page180"></a><span class="pagenum">p. -180</span>“In Paris. And where have you come -from?”</p> -<p>“From Geneva. Lichtenbach sent me your -address.”</p> -<p>“How did you enter?”</p> -<p>“Over the wall.”</p> -<p>“With your wounded arm?”</p> -<p>“My arm is healed.”</p> -<p>As he spoke he extended it with a threatening smile. The arm -was indeed whole. A glove covered the hand. He -continued—</p> -<p>“The Swiss are very fine mechanics. They have made for -me a jointed fore-arm which works like a natural one. The hand is -of steel. It is the best fisticuff imaginable. A blow from that -hand, Sophia, would kill a man.” With a sigh he continued. -“But, after all, this arm is not worth the one I have lost. -Still, those who have mutilated me shall pay for my flesh and -blood.”</p> -<p>As he spoke his face assumed a ferocious expression, and -<i>he</i> ground his teeth savagely. Sophia, in grave accents, -replied—</p> -<p>“Have you not already been paid? At the time you were -struck, the General de Trémont was dead. Perhaps it was he -who was taking his vengeance on you!”</p> -<p>“The old fool! He had only to accede to your request -when you were inducing him to tell you the secret of his safe. -Then nothing would have happened!”</p> -<p>“Hans, it all happened because you were in too great a -hurry. You destroyed all my combinations through your brutality. -Had you merely given me another week the poor fool would have -given up to me his secret, his honour, and everything else. Your -intervention put him on his guard; he recovered from his torpor, -and all was lost!”</p> -<p>“No reproaches, please. This mistake has cost me dearly -enough. Now, how do matters stand here?”</p> -<p><a name="page181"></a><span class="pagenum">p. -181</span>“If you will leave me to act in my own way, I -shall succeed.”</p> -<p>“Good! Good! I, too, am preparing a slight diversion, -which will be of use. Besides, it will please -Lichtenbach.”</p> -<p>“What do you intend to do?”</p> -<p>“Stir up the workmen at the manufactory.”</p> -<p>“Then you intend to make a tool of socialism?”</p> -<p>“Certainly. In it lies the future of society. The -thoughtless, brutal mob,<sup> </sup>under the sway of a few bold -leaders, will obtain for themselves universal dominion and -rule.”</p> -<p>“How long will this be your rule of conduct?”</p> -<p>“Until everything in this execrably rotten society is -destroyed.”</p> -<p>“What will you put in its place?”</p> -<p>“That is the secret of time. The revolution will tell it -to us.”</p> -<p>“I hate your opinions as well as those who maintain -them.”</p> -<p>“I know, I know,” interrupted Hans, with a loud -laugh. “You are an aristocrat, Sophia, and equality is not -to your liking. You must have luxury and superiority always -around you. But how do you know that we shall not give them to -you? We aim at levelling, but it is the levelling of those who -rise above us. Have you ever seen a flock of sheep without a -shepherd and his dog to guide them? Then how could nations live -without a head? The great thing is to command. For this power -must be snatched from the hands of those who now have it, by -means of certain privileges we pretend to suppress because we do -not enjoy them. Once power is in our hands, torrents of blood -will have to be shed before it can be taken from us. Who would -try to do so? Only revolutionists have any energy left, for they -alone are governed by passion. Revolution is the only means of -succeeding rapidly. To-day <a name="page182"></a><span -class="pagenum">p. 182</span>I am nothing; in the near future I -intend to be everything. To attain to my object I suppress -everything in my way. This is the meaning, expressed briefly, of -all the burlesque rigmarole uttered by these apostles of -humanity. Their love and thoughts are entirely for themselves. -And that suffices.”</p> -<p>Sophia laughed aloud.</p> -<p>“They are mere brigands. You are another, but you must -take care, Hans, for those you dream of spoiling will not let -themselves be robbed so easily as you think. They have invented -the police, a tolerably effective safeguard. But what are you -preparing for these poor Baradiers and Graffs?”</p> -<p>“For the past fortnight I have been exciting the workmen -by means of my agents. I am going to turn their works upside -down. That will divert their attention, for they are far too wide -awake concerning what we are doing. I do not know who is -informing the sly rogues, but they seem to understand -Lichtenbach’s game with the greatest ease.”</p> -<p>“Lichtenbach is such a coward! He has done something -stupid again. I have sent Cesare to him, quite as much to keep a -watch over him as to pay court to his daughter. But you cannot -put courage into the heart of a coward.”</p> -<p>“It seems the shares of the Explosives Company had -fallen so favourably, thanks to the bear system undertaken by -Lichtenbach, that the re-purchase was on the point of being -effected under the most favourable conditions. Suddenly, without -apparent reason, the brokers began to buy in enormous quantities -on the Stock Exchange, and the shares rose by leaps and bounds. -Lichtenbach held firm, but he had to deal with some one superior -to himself. The threatening ruin was checked. He, personally, has -lost a <a name="page183"></a><span class="pagenum">p. -183</span>pile of money at the liquidation. And, from information -received, it is the Baradiers and Graffs who have formed a -syndicate, along with a large number of shareholders belonging to -the threatened Company, with the object of checking the too -complete depreciation of the shares. There is a rumour in -business circles that, thanks to a new patent, you understand, -Sophia, the prosperity of the affair is assured for the future. -That is why I am here; direct competition against Lichtenbach -means a challenge to us. The war has begun; it must be -maintained, and the victory won. You all appear to me to be doing -nothing but play here.”</p> -<p>“Now, Hans, nothing rash this time,” said Sophia, -firmly. “We are going along very well; take care not to -spoil everything again. You have only one arm left to lose, my -dear friend. Do not attempt too much.”</p> -<p>Hans’ features contracted.</p> -<p>“You are in a very gay humour, Sophia. I have only one -arm, true; but it is the better one of the two, make no mistake. -Little chance for him who comes within its reach!”</p> -<p>“So you have come to settle down here?”</p> -<p>“With your permission.”</p> -<p>“You will be greatly in my way.”</p> -<p>“Do not be anxious. I shall only be out-of-doors at -night time. It is not to my interest to be seen in the open -daylight. Darkness suits me better. You attend to your business, -and I will attend to mine. All I ask of you is a room up in the -garret, where I may write and sleep during the daytime. Milona -alone will know that I am here. We can have entire confidence in -her.”</p> -<p>“Entire, unless there is harm threatening to -myself.”</p> -<p>“Who would think of doing you any harm? Not I, at any -rate, so long as we have the same end in view.”</p> -<p>They exchanged looks, and in their eyes could be read <a -name="page184"></a><span class="pagenum">p. 184</span>the memory -of long-standing complicity and collusion. Sophia was the first -to avert her glance, which she did with a sign of -acquiescence.</p> -<p>“Then follow me.”</p> -<p>She opened the door, and showed the way to the man who -appeared to her an object of mingled dread and hate.</p> -<h3><a name="page185"></a><span class="pagenum">p. -185</span>CHAPTER III</h3> -<p><span class="smcap">Baudoin</span> had just finished arranging -everything in the summer-house where Marcel lived, when he heard -his name called by the concierge of the works. On showing himself -at the window, the concierge bowed with deference, and -said—</p> -<p>“M. Baudoin, some one wishes to speak to you at the -gate.”</p> -<p>“Good; I will be down in a moment.”</p> -<p>It was three o’clock in the afternoon, and, as Marcel -had just set out in the direction of the woods, Baudoin was alone -in the house. He had just placed the furniture in order, and now, -after closing the window, he took off his apron, and went out -into the courtyard. On reaching the entrance to the works, he saw -standing in the street a ruddy-faced man, with untrimmed beard, -dressed like a workman, and wearing a pair of large rough shoes. -The concierge disdainfully pointed out the man, and -said—</p> -<p>“There he is!”</p> -<p>At the same moment the man turned round, and, seeing Baudoin, -came up with smiling face and extended hands. Baudoin, -astonished, watched him draw near, ransacking his memory, but -unable to call to mind if he had ever seen him before. He said to -himself, “Who the deuce can it be? Some one who has made a -mistake!” On coming close up to him, the man -said—</p> -<p><a name="page186"></a><span class="pagenum">p. -186</span>“Good day, M. Baudoin.”</p> -<p>Then Baudoin recognized Laforêt. Taking him by the arm, -he conducted him along the garden wall in the direction of the -main road; then, sure that he would be out of the hearing of any -one, he said—.</p> -<p>“So you are here at last! What a perfect disguise! I had -no idea who you were till you spoke.”</p> -<p>“We must not remain in the open air, for no one must see -us together. Is there no small inn where we can talk?”</p> -<p>“Certainly; come with me to the Soleil d’Or. I -know the landlord; he will let us have a small room to ourselves, -where we shall not be disturbed. He is an old soldier, and to be -relied upon.”</p> -<p>“Very good!”</p> -<p>Seated before a bottle of beer, the two men began their -confidential talk—</p> -<p><sup>“</sup>It was quite time you came,” said -Baudoin. “There is something new at last. M. Marcel’s -solitude has been broken in upon by two strangers, who pass as -brother and sister, jabber away in Italian, and who, from the -very first week of their stay here, have found means of entering -into friendly relations with my master.”</p> -<p><sup>“</sup>What kind of a woman is she?”</p> -<p>“Ah, unless I am mistaken, she is a very cunning woman, -like the one who called to see my poor General, and tricked him -so cleverly.”</p> -<p>“And the man?”</p> -<p>“A foreigner. His first appearance. He calls himself a -count, but he is probably a mere fortune-hunter. A -handsome-looking fellow, though I have only seen him at a -distance.”</p> -<p>“And the sister?”</p> -<p>“A splendid woman! Light-complexioned, with hair <a -name="page187"></a><span class="pagenum">p. 187</span>arranged in -Madonna fashion. The most innocent, harmless-looking creature -imaginable! In deep mourning, reminding one of -‘Mignon’ bewailing her country. What is her object in -coming here just at this time?”</p> -<p>“We will do our best to throw some light on the matter -if possible.”</p> -<p>“I can do nothing, you understand, for I am too well -known here. At the very first sign of activity I gave, it would -be equivalent to saying to these people, ‘Look out, I am -watching you.’ They would be at once on their guard, and -the game would be over! I have already hazarded a rather risky -examination of the house in which they live, and the -surroundings. But I cannot recommence without running the risk of -being caught by M. Marcel; and, if he questioned me, what reply -could I give him? To warn him of the toils being skilfully drawn -around him would be to cut short the intrigue now in preparation, -and which, in all probability, will give us an opportunity of -laying hands on the villains we are on the look-out for. And not -to warn him is to leave him exposed to the greatest dangers! I -have been thinking of all this for some days, and the more I -reflect, the more I hesitate. Accordingly I was very anxious to -see you, as you can give me your advice in the first place, and -afterwards we can deliberate as to the best means of defending M. -Marcel in case he comes to be threatened.”</p> -<p>“We must proceed methodically. Where is this house -situated?”</p> -<p>“Oh, it is very easy to recognize! It is half-way -between Ars and the woods of Bossicant, and is named the Villa de -la Cavée. Impossible to make a mistake, for it stands all -alone.”</p> -<p>“To-morrow morning I will take up my post at the -door.”</p> -<p><a name="page188"></a><span class="pagenum">p. -188</span>“How?”</p> -<p>“That is my business. You will see how it is possible to -keep a watch over people without appearing to do so.”</p> -<p>“But there is no house for more than half a mile -around.”</p> -<p>“That will make no difference. How does the lady -live?”</p> -<p>“Very quietly. She never leaves the house, except to -take a walk in the wood. Until lately, alone, or with her -brother, but now with my master.”</p> -<p>“Then he is bitten?”</p> -<p>“Very badly.”</p> -<p>“Good!”</p> -<p>“And what, in your opinion, must we do as regards M. -Marcel?”</p> -<p>“Nothing.”</p> -<p>“Not even warn him of his danger?”</p> -<p>“Under no pretext. What danger does he run? I will keep -watch over him outside, and you will look after him inside. No -one has any interest in threatening him. If, as is very probable, -according to usual tactics, a pretty woman has been told off to -try to catch him, all he risks is falling in love with a -worthless creature. Will it be the first time this will happen to -him? You do not think so, nor do I. Meanwhile, we will set a few -caltrops to try and catch our freebooters. Are you sure it is not -the same woman who came to Vanves?”</p> -<p>“She has neither the same voice nor the same accent. But -then, can one be certain of anything when one has to deal with -people of such cunning? As for the man, I can answer that it is -not he, for I saw the man at Vanves. He was a head taller than -this tom-tit of an Italian. His speech, too, was very peculiar. -Oh! I should at once recognize <a name="page189"></a><span -class="pagenum">p. 189</span>the man who killed my General! And -if ever he comes within my reach—”</p> -<p>As he spoke his fists were tightly clenched, and a fierce -glare shone in his eyes. Laforêt calmed him by -saying—</p> -<p>“Do not get angry! Especially in the matter now engaging -our attention; we must keep cool heads. Suppose you suddenly -found yourself in front of this man, what would you -do?”</p> -<p>“I would seize him by the throat, and he should not -escape, that I would swear to before God!”</p> -<p>“What folly! Your duty would be to pretend not to -recognize him. You could follow him, find out where he lives, and -keep a watch over him, so that we might capture both himself and -his accomplices. My dear Baudoin, let us agree at once to some -such course beforehand. For if we act in too sentimental a -fashion, we shall fail utterly.”</p> -<p>Baudoin sighed—</p> -<p>“You are right; still, it would be very hard for me to -keep my fingers away from the rascal’s skin! But then, you -have had experience; I will obey you.”</p> -<p>“Well, then, let us find some means of correspondence. -For the future we must not be seen to have any communications -with one another. See here; when I have anything to say to you I -will go to the entrance door of the works, and write on the top -of the gate on the left side the day and hour of the rendezvous -in red pencil. For instance: ‘Tuesday, 4 -o’clock.’ Then you will arrange to come round to this -inn, where you will find me. If you wish to speak to me you will -do the same on the other pillar on the right of the gate. I shall -pass by every morning and evening to see if the rendezvous has to -take place that evening or not.”</p> -<p>“Very good.”</p> -<p>“Then good-bye for the moment. When we leave <a -name="page190"></a><span class="pagenum">p. 190</span>here we no -longer know one another. I will go now, and leave you to pay. -Good luck, and keep cool!”</p> -<p>“I will, if possible.”</p> -<p>At that very hour Marcel was walking to and fro in the woods -with Madame Vignola. The small terrier was running about along -the path, which was so narrow that the young man and his fair -companion were brought into close proximity to avoid the shooting -branches which invaded the way. A feeling of languor seemed to -emanate from the earth, gently warmed by the early spring sun. On -reaching the edge of the plateau they halted by a rocky ledge -overshadowed by large ash-trees.</p> -<p>The whole valley of Ars lay before them. The tile roofs of the -works, the large chimney-steeple with its plume of black smoke, -and the church and houses capriciously grouped, formed a smiling -and delightful picture. The young woman pointed out with the end -of her parasol the different parts of the panorama, and Marcel -named all the points of interest visible. It was a kind of taking -possession of the country under the auspices of Marcel. He said -to her, with a smile—</p> -<p>“You are asking questions, as though you intended to -settle down in these parts.”</p> -<p>“It is a custom of mine,” she said. “I like -to know where I am, and to make inquiries about the district. -Things have no meaning or interest for me unless I know their -names and purposes. For instance, you point out to me down there -a railway line which passes into the plain. To the fact that it -is a railway I am absolutely indifferent; you add, it is the line -running from Troyes to the frontier, <i>viâ</i> Belfort. -Immediately my mind begins to work, and the precise -representation given by the thing attaches my mind to the thing -itself. As you see, I am of anything but a poetic -nature.”</p> -<p><a name="page191"></a><span class="pagenum">p. -191</span>“You appear to me to have an extraordinary -intelligence.”</p> -<p>“And one which is not of a very feminine nature, now -confess.”</p> -<p>“True, I find you anything but silly or fickle in -disposition. But I give you credit for a good quality.”</p> -<p>“In any case, confess that it is not a graceful -one.”</p> -<p>“Oh! You have so many others!”</p> -<p>“I did not ask you for a compliment.”</p> -<p>“You must accept it now, all the same.”</p> -<p>She looked at him with an air of simple content, then shook -her head.</p> -<p>“That is not right of you; you have broken our -agreement. It was understood between us that you should treat me -as a companion, in return for which I would allow you to -accompany me in my walks, and call on me unceremoniously. But you -are a Frenchman, and it is impossible for you to give up all -pretensions to gallantry.”</p> -<p>“Would an Italian have stayed so long in your company -without telling you how charming you are?”</p> -<p>“Yes, if I had forbidden him to speak of such things. -But he would have thought the more!”</p> -<p>“How can you tell?” said Marcel, eagerly. -“Do you think I am indifferent because, obeying you too -well, I have addressed to you nothing but simple expressions of -cold courtesy? Do not judge my feelings by my words; they are -very different from one another.”</p> -<p>“You have only known me for a week.”</p> -<p>“Is a longer time needed to love for ever?”</p> -<p>“For ever! What an engagement to make! And so quickly -decided on!”</p> -<p>“And so easy to keep when one first sees and afterwards -comes to know you!”</p> -<p>“And which can have no result, as I must soon leave, and -go away far from—”</p> -<p><a name="page192"></a><span class="pagenum">p. -192</span>“What need is there for you to follow out plans -formed during the early days of sadness and solitude? Is it wise -to decide for a whole lifetime in a single moment at your age, -and with such a store of future compensations to draw upon? At -the age of twenty-four to think that everything is lost, because -destiny has separated you from a husband old enough to have been -your father? Your life has only just begun, at the very time you -think it is all over.”</p> -<p>“Yes, my brother has often said the same thing to me. -That is the usual way of looking at things. New tenderness to -replace a dying affection. But then, how wretched to lend -one’s self to such social arrangements, and undergo such an -unexpected fate! And yet a heart cannot be swept out like a room -for new tenants. The memories of the one who occupied it cannot -be so speedily effaced; they remain. And is it not a kind of -profanation for a delicate soul to allow itself to cherish a new -affection, when it imagined the light had vanished for -ever?”</p> -<p>“I will reply in your own words: ‘For ever! What -an engagement to make! And so lightly decided on!’ Can you -be sure of keeping it? Let the world wag along. Your decision -will not alter anything. There is nothing definite in this world, -not even the sincerest grief.”</p> -<p>She stood there silent for some time with downcast eyes. Her -companion admired the graceful curves of her supple form, and the -youthful grace that appeared on the beautiful countenance. She -seemed scarcely twenty years of age. Her cheeks had all the -appearance of a tempting and savoury fruit, Finally she -continued, with a sigh—</p> -<p>“If I listened to your protestations, what trouble -should I be preparing for myself in the future? You are not -dependent on yourself, as I am, for I have only a brother, -though, after all, he is very indulgent towards me. You <a -name="page193"></a><span class="pagenum">p. 193</span>have a -family which will claim you. When you leave this district where -will you go?”</p> -<p>“I shall return to Paris, where I generally live. What -prevents you taking up your abode there also? Your interests are -in Italy? What then? Your brother will look after them, and you -will have nothing to do but consider your own -happiness.”</p> -<p>“Paris frightens me. That immense stir and commotion -troubles me, and I imagine it would be impossible to live there -in calm and quiet.”</p> -<p>“What a mistake you make! The excitement of Paris life -is very deceptive; it is only the surface that is troubled. Its -depths, as in those of the sea, are quiet and peaceful, and the -storms on the surface never disturb them. In Paris itself are -peaceful corners, filled with verdure, light, and flowers, where -a happy and gentle life may be passed. We would find such a spot -for you, chosen with tenderest care, and there you would learn to -spend your time free from melancholy and feverish anxiety. Far -from noise and distraction of every kind, within easy reach of -the utmost refinements of taste and intellectual pleasures, you -will find out the most precious thing in the world: a quiet home, -embellished by a love at once sincere and tender.”</p> -<p>“That is a very seductive picture you have drawn, and -you know how to present it in the best light. Is there a touch of -the fairy about you? Are you in possession of an -enchanter’s wand, to be able thus to dispose of the destiny -of others? You summon up characters and scenes to suit your -fancy. Were I to listen to you, would you be free to realize your -programme? To me you appear to be building castles in the air. -What would your parents and friends say of this -arrangement?”</p> -<p>“Oh! they would accept it, there is not the slightest -doubt of that. If you only knew how fond they are of me, <a -name="page194"></a><span class="pagenum">p. 194</span>and how -joyfully they would welcome anything giving proof of moderation -and wisdom on my part! My father, though rough to outward -appearance, is the finest man in the world. He is anxious about -my doings, only because of his affection for me, and his anxiety -regarding my future welfare. He never gave the least sign of -egoism, even when we quarrelled. His own pleasure and peace of -mind, even, were subordinated to my interests. Only when he saw -that some action of mine which he judged harmful—would -injure me in some way, did his anger burst forth against me. He -loves me so well that, were he certain my happiness might be -assured under honourable conditions, he would sacrifice his own -without the slightest hesitation. As for my mother, she is the -very embodiment of virtue and goodness.”</p> -<p>She bit her lips, and answered with sudden harshness, as -though tired of listening to this wealth of praise.</p> -<p>“Very fine sentiments, indeed! Then you are not a -dutiful son if you have not been in perfect accord with such -loving parents.”</p> -<p>“I have not been undutiful, though not always -reasonable.”</p> -<p>“Then what has been lacking to make you so?”</p> -<p>“A serious love.”</p> -<p>Raising a delicate finger, with threatening gesture, to -Marcel, she said—</p> -<p>“I am afraid you are anything but a model of -virtue!”</p> -<p>“Do not judge me ill for having spoken so frankly. That -would be neither benevolent or just. For, really, you would form -a false idea of me.”</p> -<p>She continued, gaily—</p> -<p>“Come! I see that you are quite a model, after -all!”</p> -<p>“Now, you are joking! How changing is your mood! How can -one hope to get the better of you?”</p> -<p><a name="page195"></a><span class="pagenum">p. -195</span>“Ah! my dear sir, did you think that a single -word or look would suffice to seduce me? If so, I am more -rebellious than you imagined. Did you suppose that the influence -of spring, amid this charming scenery, an inactive solitude, and -the length of the evenings, joined to your own particular -qualities, would have induced me to fall down at your feet? You -are going rather too fast. My melancholy mood cannot accommodate -itself to such a rapid change! There, now, don’t look so -down-hearted; I am speaking to you very gently. Had I wished I -might have assumed an offended attitude, for, after all, you -offer me your heart without taking the slightest precaution. -Still, in this out-of-the-way place one cannot help feeling -nearer the simplicity of nature. It is easy to return to habits -and manners that are almost primitive, even without troubling -concerning forms and customs, and saying what one really thinks -and feels. I will forgive you, on condition you do not -recommence.”</p> -<p>Astonished at hearing the young woman speak in such a -vivacious tone of raillery, Marcel wondered if she were really -the same sorrowful languishing widow whose tender melodies were -so often broken by sobs. Her face sparkled with a malicious -harshness, and those caressing eyes of hers belied the coldness -of her words. She offered so irritating a mixture of decency and -profligacy, of modesty and sensuality, that Marcel no longer knew -what to think. Suddenly the church-bell of Ars began to toll the -evening Angelus, changing the trend of their thoughts. The young -woman suddenly stood upright, exclaiming—</p> -<p>“Six o’clock already! How time passes! They will -wonder what has become of me.”</p> -<p>“But you are quite alone!”</p> -<p>“My servant—”</p> -<p>“That extraordinary creature you call Milo.”</p> -<p><a name="page196"></a><span class="pagenum">p. -196</span>“Do not speak ill of her; she likes -you.”</p> -<p>“Thanks for the favour!”</p> -<p>“Oh! she is not fond of everybody. With you, however, -she is like my dog, which licks your hand; he does not treat -everybody the same way!”</p> -<p>“Yes, I may charm the servant and the dog, but the -mistress disdains me.”</p> -<p>“Oh! the mistress. She is the one who orders, and the -others obey.”</p> -<p>“Then I will obey.”</p> -<p>Giving him a charming smile, she summoned to her the little -terrier, which was hid among the heather, and, walking slowly by -Marcel’s side, returned in the direction of the villa. On -approaching the gate they saw a man engaged in arranging on the -road a pile of stones discharged from a tumbrel that very -morning. A large sledge-hammer lay near his vest under a straw -covering. Politely raising his cap to the two passers-by, and -without appearing to bestow any further heed on them, he -continued his task. Madame Vignola seemed vexed at this -installation so near her home. She looked carefully at the man, -and, as soon as the garden gate was closed, asked—</p> -<p>“What does that person intend to do there?”</p> -<p>“He seems to be engaged in breaking stones,” said -Marcel. “Most likely a journeyman who will be working on -the road for some time.”</p> -<p>“Will he stay here long?”</p> -<p>“A few days, perhaps.”</p> -<p>“He has a villainous-looking face. Is there nothing to -fear from such people?”</p> -<p>“Nothing whatever, except the sound of their hammers -breaking the stones. But you will not hear that from the -house.”</p> -<p>Madame Vignola did not appear to be quite satisfied <a -name="page197"></a><span class="pagenum">p. 197</span>by what -Marcel said. A look of anxiety shaded her brow.</p> -<p>“If the presence of this poor fellow disturbs you so -much,” said the young man, “would you like me to -request the authorities to have him removed? He will be sent to -work a few hundred yards away. I have sufficient influence to -obtain this change.”</p> -<p>“Do nothing of the kind. I shall get accustomed to his -presence. After all, he has his living to earn.”</p> -<p>She held out her hand to Marcel, with a smile. Holding it for -a moment within his own, he said, softly—“You are not -angry with me?”</p> -<p>“No.”</p> -<p>“You will allow me to return to-morrow?”</p> -<p>“Yes, I should like you to do so.”</p> -<p>“And you will allow me to tell you that I love -you?”</p> -<p>“If it gives you pleasure to do so.”</p> -<p>They said nothing more; night was falling, and a gentle -obscurity was overshadowing all nature. Still, they were less -alone than on the plain of Bossicant, and it was, perhaps, this -very fact which rendered them more audacious. Marcel drew near to -himself the young woman, without the slightest resistance on her -part. The tissue of her black dress came in contact with -Marcel’s shoulder. A kind of fever seized him, and for a -moment he lost all notion of the surrounding world.</p> -<p>A cry of pain, and an effort of resistance, recalled him to -himself. He saw Anetta fleeing towards the house. On the -threshold she halted, looked at him for a moment, as though -trying to find something to say to him. He took a step forward, -but she stopped him with a gesture. Placing his fingers to his -lips, he sent a kiss to the enchantress who had so completely -gained possession of his heart, and took his departure.</p> -<p><a name="page198"></a><span class="pagenum">p. 198</span>A -disagreeable surprise awaited him on his arrival at the works. -The gates, usually open, were now closed, and small knots of men -were collected in the street. They removed as he approached, only -to form again a little further distant. What the manager had told -him a few days previously concerning the evil dispositions of the -workmen returned to his mind. In his eagerness to overcome his -love difficulties he had forgotten business worries. Going up to -the concierge, he asked—</p> -<p>“What is the matter here? Why are the gates closed? What -is the meaning of all these people in the streets?”</p> -<p>“Ah! M. Marcel, there are troubles with the workmen. -They went on strike at three o’clock to-day, and are -scattered about in the cafés and inns, along with the -strikers from the Troyes works, who have turned their -heads.”</p> -<p>“No damage has been done?”</p> -<p>“No, M. Marcel. But the manager has been looking for you -everywhere.”</p> -<p>“I will go at once and speak to him.”</p> -<p>He made his way towards the office. Through the closed -shutters a ray of light announced the presence of M. Cardez in -his study. Marcel entered. The manager was seated before his desk -writing. On seeing the son of his master he rose at once, and, -without waiting to be questioned, began—</p> -<p>“Well! what did I tell you, M. Baradier? Here they are -in open revolt! And that without the slightest plausible reason! -Simply to do as their comrades! Their heads have been turned by -the leaders of the strike. I have reasoned and talked gently to -them, but all in vain; they are nothing but machines! Ah! you are -interested in the workers, now you will learn to know -them!”</p> -<p><a name="page199"></a><span class="pagenum">p. -199</span>“What measures have you taken?”</p> -<p>“I have closed the doors, so that no one may enter -without our permission, or without incurring a penal -responsibility. Now I am expecting a delegation of the -workmen.”</p> -<p>“Under what pretext have they ceased work?”</p> -<p>“They demand the suppression of sweeping and lighting, -the supply of needles at a lower price.”</p> -<p>“Is the demand a just one?”</p> -<p>“It is something quite new.”</p> -<p>“But is it just?”</p> -<p>“<i>Mon Dieu</i>! Concessions might, doubtless, be -granted, but then others would immediately be made. Their -grievances would never come to an end. We are only at the -beginning. Is it wise to yield all at once?”</p> -<p>“Why not give them the impression that we wish them -well?”</p> -<p>“They would look upon it as a sign of -weakness.”</p> -<p>Marcel remained pensive.</p> -<p>“So the weavers of Troyes are on strike, and are -inciting our workmen to follow their example?”</p> -<p>“They were at Sainte-Savine yesterday, and to-day they -are at Ars. They made sufficient noise; you must have been very -busy not to have heard them.”</p> -<p>“I was away from home,” said Marcel, -embarrassed.</p> -<p>“All the same had you been here; that would have made no -difference; their plan of action is fixed. They would have -insulted you, as they did me, that is all.”</p> -<p>“Insulted?” exclaimed Marcel.</p> -<p>“Listen.”</p> -<p>A vague sound was heard breaking the silence of the night. The -harsh untrained voices of the mob were heard singing a kind of -workmen’s Marseillaise—</p> -<blockquote><p><a name="page200"></a><span class="pagenum">p. -200</span>“Les patrons, les damnés patrons,<br /> -Un beau matin, nous les verrons<br /> -Accrochés au bout d’une branche!<br /> -En se sentant morts a moitié,<br /> -C’est alors qu’ils crieront pitié!<br /> -Mais nous leur repondrons: Dimanche!<br /> -Retroussez vos manches, luron!<br /> -Bientôt va commencer la danse.<br /> -Ayons la victoire, ou mourons<br /> -Pour notre indépendance!<br /> - Ayons la victoire, ou mourons<br -/> - Pour notre -indépendance!”</p> -</blockquote> -<p>A shrill clamour, mingled with the shrieks of women and -children, followed this threatening refrain; then came a -formidable hooting—</p> -<p>“Down with Cardez! Down with the manager! To the gallows -with him!”</p> -<p>“Do you hear them?” said Cardez. “The -gallows, indeed! And what have I done to them? Simply exact from -them a conscientious amount of work, and respect for the -regulations. The gallows! If they think they can frighten me with -their threats they are mistaken. An old soldier like myself -cannot be intimidated so easily. Besides, these are nothing but -idle cries; no deeds will follow!”</p> -<p>“Have you written to my father and uncle?” asked -Marcel.</p> -<p>“I have telephoned to them. They must, by this time, -have entered into relations with the prefect to insure the -protection of the works, and respect for the rights of labour. -But for that troops will be needed, and no one can tell how far -things will go with people of the character of these Champagne -fools. We have a loyal police at Ars, who are well known and -respected. I think that ought to be sufficient.”</p> -<p>“Are you afraid of a conflict?”</p> -<p><a name="page201"></a><span class="pagenum">p. -201</span>“I am afraid of nothing, but I am obliged to take -every precaution. Our Ars workmen, as I said, are more noisy than -evil-intentioned. But there are strangers who have incited them -to action, and it is with them that we shall have to -deal.”</p> -<p>“A mob is a brute force, both blind and deaf. You cannot -undeceive a hundred men. If they all clamour aloud at once, how -can any possible understanding be reached?”</p> -<p>“That is what leaders of strikes rely upon! Tumult and -violence. To-morrow I shall receive a delegation of workmen, with -whom, I hope, it will be possible to come to reasonable -terms.”</p> -<p>“I will help you.”</p> -<p>“If you wish.”</p> -<p>“Will there be any hostile manifestation this -evening?”</p> -<p>“No. Not before to-morrow.”</p> -<p>“Then I will go and dine. Good night.”</p> -<p>Baudoin was waiting for him. In serving his meal the devoted -servant, to whom Marcel permitted a certain amount of -familiarity, lingered near the table instead of returning to the -kitchen. He looked carefully at his master, and seemed to wish to -read his secret impressions on his face. Never had the young man -been so silent and preoccupied as during the past few days. In -solitude he lived over again the hours he had spent in the -company of the beautiful Italian, and never appeared tired of -thinking about her. Not a word did he say, but his countenance -was illumined by an inner radiance. Still, in spite of his -absentmindedness, Baudoin’s persistence in standing there -before him, like a note of interrogation, struck Marcel at last. -Looking at him for a moment, he said—</p> -<p>“What is the matter with you, this evening, Baudoin? You -seem quite agitated.”</p> -<p><a name="page202"></a><span class="pagenum">p. -202</span>“One might be so with less cause. You are aware, -sir, that the employees have assumed a very threatening -attitude?”</p> -<p>“Well! Are you afraid?”</p> -<p>“No, indeed, sir, not for myself, at any -rate!”</p> -<p>“For whom, then?”</p> -<p>“For yourself, sir. When I left Paris M. Baradier gave -me precise orders to protect you from all harm. If anything were -to happen I should not know what to do. That is what agitates me, -as you say, sir.”</p> -<p>“There is nothing to do, Baudoin, except -wait.”</p> -<p>“I beg your pardon, sir, there is something far -preferable to that—that is, to take the first train back to -Paris.”</p> -<p>“And leave my father’s works exposed to the -violence of his workmen?”</p> -<p>“M. Baradier’s works are doubtless very precious, -but not so precious as his son.”</p> -<p>“Do not be uneasy, Baudoin; no one will harm either the -son or the works. The deuce! Are there no laws in existence? The -people of Ars are not savages.”</p> -<p>“Neither are the people of Troyes, nor those of -Sainte-Savine, savages, and yet, this very morning, they -destroyed everything at the works of Messrs. Tirot and -Malapeyre.”</p> -<p>“Hard masters!”</p> -<p>“The question is not whether they are hard or lenient -masters, but simply whether they are masters at all. Your -presence here, sir, is not absolutely necessary. It would be -better if you would go and spend a week in Paris.”</p> -<p>“They would say that I had run away. And old Cardez, who -is none too fond of me, will say that I am good for nothing -except making chemical experiments! That, when the works are to -be defended, I am no longer <a name="page203"></a><span -class="pagenum">p. 203</span>to be found. No, no! Chance has -brought me here, and chance will keep me. I shall even try to -arrange everything for the general good.”</p> -<p>“Then you will take all necessary precautions, -sir?”</p> -<p>“What precautions?”</p> -<p>“A good revolver on your person, in the first -place.”</p> -<p>“What an idea! What would be the use of a revolver, -Baudoin? If I have to deal with a crowd of men, I could not -attempt to defend myself. With one or two men only, I shall run -no danger.”</p> -<p>“At any rate, if you have anything important here, sir, -it might be useful to put it in safety.”</p> -<p>They looked at one another in silence. Marcel had understood -what the General’s servant meant. He became very -serious.</p> -<p>“You allude to the powders, I suppose, -Baudoin?”</p> -<p>“Yes, sir, I am aware that you possess the -formulæ. Can nothing be stolen which would place the one -who should be audacious enough to attempt the <i>coup</i>, in -possession of the secret?”</p> -<p>“The powders, even the formulæ might be stolen, -Baudoin, without the secret being discovered. There is a peculiar -trick of manipulation the General revealed to me, which alone -constitutes the real value of the discovery.”</p> -<p>“All the same, it was to obtain possession of the -formulæ that my master was killed.”</p> -<p>“No, Baudoin, he was killed because he refused to tell -the proportions of the ingredients. It was madness at finding -himself deceived that inspired the murderer’s arm. He -imagined he could substitute his own for the genius of the -inventor, and find out the mixtures himself. He wished to storm -the mystery and brutalize science. It was then the General was -struck.”</p> -<p><a name="page204"></a><span class="pagenum">p. -204</span>“Is it not possible he may try again?”</p> -<p>“Is he even alive? Come, Baudoin, are you attempting to -discover some relation, however far-fetched, between these -disturbances, which are putting the whole district in commotion, -and this powder affair?”</p> -<p>“I know nothing; but I am on my guard against everything -that appears of a suspicious nature. There are strangers in the -works. It is they who lead the strikers. Strangers were also in -the powder affair. <i>Mon Dieu</i>! I may be stupid, sir, but I -would give a great deal to be safe back in Paris with -you.”</p> -<p>“You are very imaginative, Baudoin.”</p> -<p>“Well, then, as I see you are determined to pay no -attention to what I say, I should be glad, sir, if you would give -me the key of the laboratory. I will keep watch by day, and sleep -there by night. In that way I shall be more completely at -ease.”</p> -<p>“Very well, Baudoin. You will find the key in my room, -over the mantelpiece. If that will restore your peace of mind, it -is easy enough.”</p> -<p>“That will not restore my peace of mind entirely, sir; -but, at any rate, it will give me a certain amount of -satisfaction.”</p> -<p>The dinner being now at an end, Marcel went out for a stroll -in the garden and along the river bank. It was a cool evening, -and the stars shone forth in undimmed brilliancy. At times a -dull, rumbling sound was heard coming from the inns and -cafés of the town, where the workmen were celebrating the -strike in numerous bumpers. A feeling of sadness came over Marcel -at the thought of the women and children awaiting in their poor -dwellings the return of the father for the evening meal, whilst -the latter, under the persuasion of raillery or threats, lingered -before the table covered with glasses, and drinking the most -poisonous and <a name="page205"></a><span class="pagenum">p. -205</span>maddening liquors imaginable. What wretchedness would -result from this interruption of work! The paltry savings of the -thrifty would vanish, the debts of the improvident would -increase. And the net result of all this tumult and agitation, -excited by hypocritical leaders, would be nothing but severity -and rancour.</p> -<p>Turning aside his thoughts from these evils, to which he could -see no remedy, he directed them to the Villa de la Cavée. -There, at the same time as himself, Anetta would be walking to -and fro in the garden. He pictured her passing down the winding -alley in dreamy solitude. What could she be thinking of, if not -of himself; whose heart was filled with her memory? Were they not -united in soul, and was not that delicious kiss a proof of her -affection. A thrill of pleasure came over him in the silence of -the night, and he thought to himself, “Suppose I were to -pay her a visit now? She does not expect me, true. What would she -think of my eagerness to see her again? Would not the untimely -hour, and the isolation she is in, make her consider my visit -offensive? The more defenceless she is, ought I not the more to -respect her? Ah! She loves me, I feel it. Am I on the point of -spoiling by my rashness all the happiness the future has in store -for me?”</p> -<p>In his tenderness Marcel was anxiously solicitous of sparing -the susceptibilities of her who had set the terrible trap in -which he was hopelessly caught. Had he been able to penetrate -into the Villa de la Cavée, and reach the salon -unperceived, he would have heard Sophia and her Dalmatian servant -exchanging their impressions; whilst, seated astraddle on a -chair, the terrible Hans was listening to them, smoking the -while, and with an expression of ironical contempt on his -face.</p> -<p>“After all, madame, what will you do with this poor <a -name="page206"></a><span class="pagenum">p. 206</span>young man -when you have obtained from him what you want?”</p> -<p>“Oh, that will not trouble me! He is very agreeable and -charming, and will doubtless bewail my departure. But he has not -yet reached the point I wish to bring him to.”</p> -<p>“What we chemists call the incandescence point,” -said Hans, harshly. “We know what that is, Sophia, when you -have a hand in the matter. For young Zypiatine it was the moment -when, in his madness, he handed over the secrets concerning the -concentration on the frontiers of Afghanistan; for poor Stenheim, -the hour when he stole from the War Office the plan of defence of -Herzegovina, and for our friend, the handsome Cesare -Agostini—”</p> -<p>“Don’t speak of Cesare,” interrupted the -young woman, frowning.</p> -<p>“Why not, indeed? The <i>coup</i> he effected was a very -fine one. Were he to attempt to cross the Italian frontier I -believe he would be sent to rot in the darkest fortress of -Sardinia. For he is not one of those whom they risk passing -judgment on, even in private; he knows rather too much. -Certainly, this fair-complexioned young fellow from Champagne you -are now preparing to shear, is a pascal lamb compared with the -dangerous characters you have hitherto led to their ruin without -the slightest compunction. All the same, you must beware, Sophia; -I know you well. You are not quite at your ease just now, you -have become silent and dreamy—preoccupied, in fact; not a -good sign at all! Are you on the point of doing something -stupid?”</p> -<p>Sophia shuddered. Fixing her eyes full on Hans, she asked -suddenly—</p> -<p>“What do you mean?”</p> -<p>“Ah, ah! Now you are interested. I am not <a -name="page207"></a><span class="pagenum">p. 207</span>surprised. -You are too intelligent to form any illusions regarding yourself. -You must have noticed that something abnormal is taking place in -your mind. The other day there was something in your way of -saying that no harm whatever should come to the young Baradier, -which gave me serious grounds for reflection. This very evening, -on returning home, I saw you in a state of languor anything but -natural to so practical a woman as you are. Usually, after -playing a <i>rôle</i>, you resume your ordinary expression -and clear directness of speech, as though, after removing a mask, -you had become your own self once more. This time it is not the -same. You are under the sway of external influences. In short, to -sum up, you seem to me as though about to fall in love with this -young Baradier!”</p> -<p>“I!” exclaimed Sophia, almost angrily.</p> -<p>“Yes, you, Sophia, Baroness Grodsko, known here under -the name of Madame Vignola. Now listen, my dear, such an -occurrence would be an out-and-out act of stupidity!”</p> -<p>“You are mad, Hans!”</p> -<p>“I shall only be too glad if I am mistaken. But I have a -very keen intuition! We all have our little weaknesses, Sophia, -and I should not wonder in the least if this young man pleased -you. But I should be very much astonished if you thought of -attaching yourself really to him, for nothing would be more -dangerous to us, or to him, or even to yourself. If you could -keep the young Marcel from the works for a short time I will not -deny that such a course would serve my purpose. But no passion, -remember, just a passing fancy. Keep him in the villa just long -enough to enable us to execute our plans. That is how I -understand things.”</p> -<p>“As I, also,” said the young woman, coldly.</p> -<p><a name="page208"></a><span class="pagenum">p. -208</span>“Very good. If you can keep a cool head and -heart, there is nothing to fear and everything to hope for. You -hear that, Milo. If your mistress shows any inclination to go -astray, you will be there to remind her of her -engagements.”</p> -<p>“My duty is to obey her,” said Milona, with -scowling look, “and not to order. As for you, never presume -to order me to do anything.”</p> -<p>“Why not, if you please, my young savage?”</p> -<p>“Because a girl like myself is willing to give up her -liberty for the sake of one she loves, but she will not serve one -she detests.”</p> -<p>“That means simply that we are not friends, my little -one,” jeered Hans, with a loud laugh. “As you please; -I will not force you to like me.”</p> -<p>Milona gave him a steady look, and shrugged her shoulders, -pronouncing a few words in an uncouth tongue. She then left the -room.</p> -<p>“What did she say in that Romany tongue of -hers?”</p> -<p>“She said, ‘Son of a she-wolf, may you die of a -burning fever without any one at hand to give you a glass of -water.’”</p> -<p>“Many thanks for her gracious wishes. Some day my stick -shall make the acquaintance of your back, charming -creature.”</p> -<p>“Do not think of such a thing, Hans, she would repay you -with dagger-blows!”</p> -<p>“What delightful relations! But you know well that I am -afraid of no one. Now let us speak of something more serious. -Have you heard from Cesare?”</p> -<p>“He writes to say that he is back from London, where -business matters are progressing well. As you are aware, our -English friends are very practical. They have launched <a -name="page209"></a><span class="pagenum">p. 209</span>a company -with a capital of fifty million francs. They will need a whole -territory for their money, and they will certainly -succeed.”</p> -<p>“Assuredly. When one’s calculations are based on -human folly and incredulity, failure is impossible. That is why -business matters possess so little interest.”</p> -<p>“At the bottom, you have no esteem for anything but -force and might. Your temperament is that of a <i>condottiere</i> -of the fourteenth century. You have been let loose in this coward -society of ours, there is no scope for your talents in such a -restricted civilization as the present. Come, Hans, since we are -speaking to one another to-night, with apparent frankness, who -are you, and where do you come from? It is five years since I -first met you, and yet I know you no better than I did the first -day. We have mutual interests, and yet I have no hold on you. You -are generally called Hans, but sometimes Fichter; although you -look like a German, you can speak both Russian and Spanish -admirably. I have known you to accomplish the most abominable -actions, and yet you are never cruel without necessity. You -attempt to obtain possession of huge sums of money, though your -style of living is anything but extravagant. Where do all your -resources go to? What end have you in view? What is this -mysterious task you are engaged on, for the little you accomplish -with us is only a small part of your work? You have trusty -companions who do not belong to us. Suddenly you disappear, to -accomplish some work or other we know nothing about. I sometimes -suspect that we are merely tools in your hands, and are -collaborating, without the faintest suspicion of it, in the -execution of some far-reaching plan which embraces the whole of -humanity. At times, I wonder if you are not the visible head of -some enormous and terrible international federation, which, at a -given moment, and <a name="page210"></a><span class="pagenum">p. -210</span>everywhere at the same time, will set the revolution -aflame.”</p> -<p>Hans smiled, shook his head approvingly, and then said in -railing tones—</p> -<p>“Women are far better than men, after all, for being -possessed of delicate tact and a clear perception of things. Ah! -So you have wondered who I really was, Sophia? Well, well! my -dear, you are more inquisitive than either Lichtenbach or -Agostini, without speaking of the rest, for not one of them ever -attempted to find out what I was unwilling to show. Good! Sophia, -good! I am interested in you, my child, for you are no -fool.”</p> -<p>Rising, he took the young woman by the waist, drew her to -himself, and gave her a friendly kiss on the forehead. Then, -looking at her steadfastly as though to force his words to enter -her brain, he said—</p> -<p>“If you attempt to make a psychological study of me you -will lose your time, Sophia. Know that I am Hans Fichter to you, -and shall never be any other. All the same, do not forget that I -am not really Hans Fichter. You have sought my personality with -amusing clear-sightedness, but you will never discover it, and -that is very lucky for you, otherwise you would not survive your -discovery a single moment. Yes, my child, I have too many people -around me, interested in my freedom of action, for any one, who -thought of playing the spy on me, to be permitted to live. Do not -imagine, however, that I am a kind of evil genius, a master of -rebel souls, or the arbiter of future social transformations. If -you did you would be on the wrong track. My power is great, but -not sovereign. I am one of the numerous soldiers of a cause which -will triumph in time, and I bow to no master!”</p> -<p>“Hans!” exclaimed Sophia; “you speak like -the nihilists of my own country. I knew a young student, <a -name="page211"></a><span class="pagenum">p. 211</span>named -Sewenikof, who propagated nihilist literature among the Moujiks -in Moscow, and spoke in almost the same tones as you are using -now. One day he disappeared.”</p> -<p>“Yes, my child, as you will disappear if you repeat a -single word, however seemingly simple and inoffensive, of what I -have just said. Your Sewenikof, whom I have never met, but whom I -know, after all, as though I saw him, was merely an instigator, -an agent who has been suppressed. That kind of thing happens -every day. Be careful, Sophia. I am very fond of you, and should -be sorry if any trouble befell you. All the same, I should be -unable to do anything. Now it is time to say good -night.”</p> -<p>“You are going to bed?”</p> -<p>“No. I have a rendezvous with my men at Ars. Have you -not heard them shouting themselves hoarse all day long, fools as -they are? What a pack of simpletons! These people have no idea -that they are hurling threats and imprecations simply because -such a course suits my convenience.”</p> -<p>“Be prudent yourself, Hans.”</p> -<p>“Ah! This is nothing more than child’s play for -me!”</p> -<p>Lighting a cigar, he took his leave. The garden was dark. He -proceeded, without the slightest noise, along the edge of the -turf; gliding along like a shadow. On reaching the gate he opened -it noiselessly, and remained there a moment against the wood -panel, so as not to be noticed from the road. Then he looked all -around, as though possessed of the faculty of seeing in the -darkness. After a moment’s hesitation he set out in the -direction of Ars. It would have been impossible for any one -coming behind him to believe that he had come from the garden of -the villa.</p> -<p><a name="page212"></a><span class="pagenum">p. 212</span>When -he had advanced a hundred yards the branches of a bush silently -separated on the opposite side of the road, and another man, in -his turn, appeared. He was the stone-breaker who had been working -for the past few days at the Cavée. Walking along in step -with Hans, he, too, made his way towards the town.</p> -<h3><a name="page213"></a><span class="pagenum">p. -213</span>CHAPTER IV</h3> -<p><span class="smcap">On</span> leaving Marcel, Baudoin, after -obtaining permission to keep watch over the laboratory, had gone -out on to the main road. It was dark. Taking his pipe, he filled -it with tobacco, then halting near the pillar which served for -Laforêt’s correspondence, he struck a match. By the -light he examined the plaster, and discovered the following -inscription in red pencil, “This evening. Nine.” The -old soldier lit his pipe, looked at his watch, and muttered to -himself—</p> -<p>“Nine o’clock to-night. At last! I will go and -wait for him.”</p> -<p>He made his way towards the inn, which was no longer dark and -silent as usual. A vivid light shone through the glass on the -door, and a rumbling sound arose from the bar. Baudoin drew near -one of the windows on the ground floor, and listened through the -shutters. A voice, as of some one delivering a discourse, could -be heard, interspersed from time to time with shouts and -exclamations. At one time it sounded louder and more violent, and -a thunder of applause rang through the room, as though all the -tables had been struck at one and the same time by the robust -fists of the men present.</p> -<p>“The deuce!” said Baudoin; “this place does -not seem very safe for one belonging to the master’s -household. The strikers have met at the Soleil d’Or, and -they appear to <a name="page214"></a><span class="pagenum">p. -214</span>be paying favourable attention to one of their usual -haranguers.”</p> -<p>Making the round of the house, he reached the door of the -courtyard, and looked around for an entrance into the kitchen, -where he expected to find his friend the innkeeper. A hand was -placed on his shoulder. Turning round, he recognized -Laforêt, who had arrived, noiselessly, and was standing by -his side.</p> -<p>“I was watching you,” said the agent. “The -place is full. I was convinced you would enter this way. We must -not stay in the middle of the courtyard. Many eyes to-night are -on the watch around us.”</p> -<p>“Where shall we go?”</p> -<p>“Come along into my room.”</p> -<p>An outer staircase led to a wood corridor, running along the -first floor, and continued right to the top story. It was right -under the roof that Laforêt had taken a room, the -wretchedest in the whole establishment, and quite in accordance -with the condition of a poor labourer. Opening his door, he -signed to Baudoin to take a seat on the bed; then, raising the -skylight, he looked along the roof to make sure no one was -watching. Dropping the iron sash, he said in low tones—</p> -<p>“Speak close to my ear. There are rooms on either side -of this. The partitions are very thin, and it is possible to hear -everything that is said.”</p> -<p>“What have you summoned me for?” whispered -Baudoin.</p> -<p>“Because I have news from the Cavée. The lady is -no longer alone. There is a man in the house.”</p> -<p>“What kind of a man? A dark, handsome young fellow, who -speaks Italian?”</p> -<p>“No; tall, strong-looking, and light-complexioned, with -a thick beard, and speaking with a kind of German -accent.”</p> -<p><a name="page215"></a><span class="pagenum">p. -215</span>Baudoin’s eyes shone. He vigorously grasped -Laforêt’s hand, and, in trembling tones, -asked—</p> -<p>“Did you see him?”</p> -<p>“Yes, as distinctly as I see you.”</p> -<p>“Had he both arms?”</p> -<p>“He has both arms.”</p> -<p>Baudoin gave a sigh of disappointment.</p> -<p>“Then it is not he! Ah! For a moment I -hoped—”</p> -<p>“That it was the man of Vanves? Could you recognize him -if he were shown to you?”</p> -<p>“Perhaps not, for I never saw him except in the dark, -but if I heard him speak, yes, without the slightest doubt, I -should recognize his voice from among a thousand.”</p> -<p>“Very well! I hope I shall be able to give you -satisfaction; the man is here.”</p> -<p>“In the inn?”</p> -<p>“In a room on the first floor with three others, the -ringleaders, who were summoned from the common room when he -arrived. He himself has no relations with the mass of the -workmen; he communicates only with the staff. I shadowed him from -the villa to this very spot. The cunning rascal forced me to keep -my wits about me. He changed direction three times, and twice -tried to throw me on a false scent. One would have thought he -felt me close at his heels, though I followed him with the utmost -precaution. He went to the Café de la Gare, where he drank -a bitter; then he left by the servants’ door, after -entering by the front. I suspected the trick, so I went round to -the back. Then he went to the station itself, crossed the -waiting-room, and reached the platform. He walked the whole -length, right on to the storeroom; there he found an open gate, -through which he entered the town, and came straight to the -Soleil d’Or. At this very <a name="page216"></a><span -class="pagenum">p. 216</span>moment he is beneath us, holding a -conference with his confederates.”</p> -<p>“How will you manage to give me an opportunity of -hearing him?” whispered Baudoin.</p> -<p>“You will see shortly. But, first of all, what does the -rascal want at the Villa de la Cavée?”</p> -<p>“Well, you see, it has reference to M. Marcel, that I -would swear to. There is trouble in the air. Why are the works in -this condition when there has never, hitherto, been the slightest -difference between the kindest of masters and the best-treated of -workmen? The same thing is at the bottom of it all. When I -summoned you I knew what I was doing. This Italian is here for M. -Marcel, and so is this new arrival, and everything has been -planned by the villains who killed the General!”</p> -<p>“Well! We will throw some light on the matter. If I can -succeed in laying hands on this gang the Minister of War will be -delighted. After all, Baudoin, if you are not mistaken, this -affair is simply the result of the attempt at Vanves. We have to -deal with a whole company, and an experienced one, too, which has -already had a crow to pick with us. Follow me.”</p> -<p>Raising the sash, he placed one foot on a chair, and mounted -on to the roof. Baudoin imitated him. A large leaden pipe -surrounded the building. This they followed until they reached -the front, overlooking the courtyard twenty feet below. -Laforêt pointed out to his companion a small zinc roof -below the first floor. It was the covering of a shed, used as a -saddle-room.</p> -<p>“Now, then, our friends are in the room where you see -that lighted window above this roof. If you can get there -unnoticed, and without making the slightest noise, you may see -from the roof into the interior; certainly you could -hear.”</p> -<p><a name="page217"></a><span class="pagenum">p. -217</span>Baudoin leaned over into the courtyard, looking for -some means of descending.</p> -<p>“How can I get there? Twenty feet and no -ladder.”</p> -<p>Laforêt pointed to something projecting from the angle -of the wall.</p> -<p>“That is a cast-iron pipe used for the -drains.”</p> -<p>“You are right! Come along!”</p> -<p>“Put your shoes in your pocket.”</p> -<p>After doing so the agent seized hold of the leaden pipe with -his hands, and separating his knees in the angle of the wall to -protect himself by the friction, he silently began to descend. -Baudoin, leaning over the roof, watched the operation with -anxious curiosity. He was not afraid that Laforêt would be -found lacking in strength or agility, but was wondering if the -pipe would prove solid. Suppose the attaching cramp-irons became -loose, both pipe and man would fall to the ground with a terrible -clatter. The alarm would be raised, and the consequences of such -an accident might be disastrous. But his anxiety did not last -long. At the end of a few seconds Laforêt had reached the -roof, and was lying there extended at full length.</p> -<p>Baudoin thereupon followed suit. On reaching the bottom of the -window, where the meeting was being held, he knelt down and -looked. Through the muslin of the curtain the human forms -appeared indistinct, like the silhouettes of a badly-focused -magic-lantern. According to the position he was in, and his -distance from the light, each of the three men assembled appeared -either like a giant or a dwarf. One of them had risen from his -seat, and was walking to and fro. According as he approached or -went away from the window, a voice, distinct or indistinct, -reached Laforêt’s ears. The latter, without turning -round, drew Baudoin nearer, and whispered in his ear—</p> -<p><a name="page218"></a><span class="pagenum">p. -218</span>“It is difficult to see, but you may hear. Come a -little nearer and listen.”</p> -<p>Baudoin obeyed, and listened attentively in the effort to -discover the object of his keen curiosity. It was not the man who -was walking to and fro whose voice could now be heard. It was -rather the voice of some one seated near a table, who appeared to -be examining some papers. Difficult as it was to find any meaning -in what was said, all the same certain expressions reached them, -“No use using violence—nothing would result. Alarm -the workmen. Excite the attention of the authorities.” All -the same, it was easy to understand that he was not of the same -mind as the man on his feet, who appeared to be pacing to and fro -with downcast head, as though impatiently submitting to -opposition. Suddenly the walker stopped, and in harsh tones -said—</p> -<p>“It shall be as I wish!”</p> -<p>The other replied, though, on account of the distance, only a -few broken phrases reached the listeners.</p> -<p>“General interest; unfavourable opinions.”</p> -<p>The man on his feet resumed his walk, and was listening to his -opponent.</p> -<p>Once more he stopped, and said—</p> -<p>“It shall be as I wish, I tell you.”</p> -<p>Laforêt whispered—</p> -<p>“Is he the man? Do you recognize the voice?”</p> -<p>“No!” said Baudoin, anxiously. “I -don’t recognize it at all.”</p> -<p>The man seated before the table thereupon folded up his -papers, and put them in his pocket, with the -words—“Then there is nothing to do but -obey!”</p> -<p>The other thereupon went up to the table, laid his hand on the -shoulder of his opponent who had capitulated, and said in joyful -accents—</p> -<p>“That’s right! You were a long time before you -would <a name="page219"></a><span class="pagenum">p. -219</span>give in! Now we must set to work. No one will repent -the decision reached!”</p> -<p>And he burst into a loud laugh.</p> -<p>Laforêt felt the hand of his companion shake, and, at -the same time, Baudoin murmured in accents of frightful -anguish—</p> -<p>“It is he—yes, that is the man; I recognize his -laugh!”</p> -<p>He gave a gesture of anger, but Laforêt immediately -restrained him.</p> -<p>“Listen once more! Make sure that you are not -mistaken!”</p> -<p>“It is he! I cannot be mistaken! Ah! that laugh of his; -just as I heard it on the night of the crime, when he descended -from the carriage.”</p> -<p>“Well, then, we know all we want. We must not stay any -longer here; it is useless to risk any unnecessary -danger.”</p> -<p>Thereupon he glided down to the edge of the zinc roof. Baudoin -followed him, and the two men put on their shoes and reached the -courtyard. There they halted. The door of the inn was closed, but -Laforêt knew how to deal with locks, and, a second later, -his companion and himself were in the open street.</p> -<p>“What are you going to do now?” said Baudoin. -“The police are at hand. Will you hesitate to lock up this -villain at once?”</p> -<p>“Good!” said Laforêt. “That is one -solution. And afterwards?”</p> -<p>“What do you mean—afterwards?”</p> -<p>“Nothing is easier than to take him. We need only wait -till he leaves the inn, and then carry him off to the police! But -what then?”</p> -<p>“Of course he will be accused of the crime committed <a -name="page220"></a><span class="pagenum">p. 220</span>at Vanves; -then he will be tried, convicted, and finally -condemned.”</p> -<p>“Indeed! Convicted? You think so? Such a man as the one -with whom we have to deal? Take him unawares? Could he not easily -find an alibi to prove that he was five hundred miles away from -Vanves on the night of the crime? Even yourself, five minutes -ago, hesitated about recognizing him. And then, whilst we have -this bird safe under lock and bolt, only to be obliged, later on, -to set him at liberty, perhaps, all the others will take to -flight. That will be a fine end to everything!”</p> -<p>“All the same, we cannot fold our arms quietly, and let -this rascal get off scot-free?”</p> -<p>“The villain is plotting something here, and the play -must not be interrupted at the very moment the principal -character is about to enter on the stage. What about the -beautiful lady of the Cavée and her pretended brother? And -all these rascals who are just now doing their best to ruin the -works of Baradier and Graff? Do you not think of them? Should we -let them know that the whole affair is over and their plot -discovered?”</p> -<p>“But we cannot remain inactive spectators in all -this?”</p> -<p>“Spectators, yes, for the moment. Inactive, never! I did -not come from Paris to Ars simply for the purpose of breaking -stones on the road. I am engaged in my profession, and I intend -the whole affair to be successful.”</p> -<p>“But can I not, at least, warn M. Marcel?”</p> -<p>“Under no pretext! His first impulse would be to have a -frightful scene with his lady-love, and everything would be -ruined. In the name of Heaven, let us keep those who are under -the influence of passion out of our confidence! From them you may -expect nothing but the most utter folly!”</p> -<p><a name="page221"></a><span class="pagenum">p. -221</span>“But suppose Marcel falls into some trap or -other?”</p> -<p>“Have no fear for him. He will come out of it all right. -For my part, I intend to shadow our man, and shall not let him -give me the slip until I have everything necessary for giving him -up to the magistrate in Paris, who is extremely mortified at his -failure in this affair. Do you agree?”</p> -<p>“I must do so, I suppose.”</p> -<p>“Then we will each attend to our own -business.”</p> -<p>They shook hands, and separated in the darkness of the night. -The illuminated inn rang with shouts and exclamations, -alternating with the cadence of mugs of beer, as they struck the -wooden tables. Away in the distance the factory raised its sombre -bulk under the star-lit sky. At the very moment Baudoin passed in -front of the concierge’s room, the latter stopped him, and, -in joyful tones, said—</p> -<p>“M. Graff has just arrived!”</p> -<p>Uncle Graff, uneasy at what Cardez had telephoned, had not -hesitated, but had left Baradier to continue an important -operation at the Bourse on the shares of the Explosives Company, -and, taking the train, had made straight for the works. Marcel, -who was taking a walk by the riverside, had seen the worthy uncle -come along the flower-beds, and had rushed joyfully forward to -meet him.</p> -<p>“What! Is it you, Uncle Graff?”</p> -<p>“Yes, my nephew, I wanted to see for myself what is -taking place here. I have just had a talk with Cardez, and at -present I know how matters stand. Now, let us speak of yourself. -How are you getting along, and what are you doing? I don’t -want to find fault, but you send us very little news. Your mother -is anything but pleased, and said to me only last night, -‘He no longer thinks of us; he loves us no -more.’”</p> -<p>“I! Not think of you all!” said Marcel.</p> -<p>“How can your poor mother have any illusion on the <a -name="page222"></a><span class="pagenum">p. 222</span>subject? -Certainly, you do not spoil her! Ah! I well know that children do -not live for their parents, but for themselves. All the same, -they might do a little, from time to time, for those who have -brought them up and loved them from childhood.”</p> -<p>“Oh, uncle! What you say pains me very much!” said -Marcel, penitently. “Has my silence been interpreted in -this way? To obey my father I have come to bury myself at Ars for -several weeks. I think I have given him sufficient pledges of my -good intentions, in spite of a few silly escapades I have been -guilty of.”</p> -<p>“Debts amounting to three hundred thousand francs, my -little Marcel, without counting what I often gave you unknown to -your parents, eh?”</p> -<p>“Ah! Uncle Graff, why return to discuss such -matters?”</p> -<p>“Yes, you forget them very soon, don’t -you?”</p> -<p>Marcel smiled.</p> -<p>“You are a very indulgent uncle; you know what young men -are!”</p> -<p>“All the same, I have never been young! Ah! Marcel, I -should have adored pleasure and luxury had I not looked as solemn -as a churchwarden.”</p> -<p>“So you gave yourself up to finance, and succeeded -brilliantly! My good uncle, it is you who pay when your -spendthrift of a nephew is in difficulties! All the same, I am -very fond of you, Uncle Graff.”</p> -<p>He had taken him by the shoulders, and was embracing him with -warmth. The old man, his eyes filled with tears, looked tenderly -at the handsome young fellow by his side. He coughed to conceal -his emotion, and said—</p> -<p>“Yes, I know you are fond of me. Well, well! Promise me -that you will write a nice little letter to your -mother.”</p> -<p><a name="page223"></a><span class="pagenum">p. -223</span>“I promise, Uncle Graff, I will write to-morrow -morning, and one to my father into the bargain.”</p> -<p>“That is right! By the way, things don’t seem to -be going along very well here! Are these rascally strikers going -to ruin our workmen?”</p> -<p>“There is every appearance of it. Cardez has not -sufficient tact; he is too straightforward in his talk. A fine -man, in reality, but one who appears to act too -tyrannically.”</p> -<p>“I will attend to the matter myself. To-morrow I will -see the syndicate. And you—what are you doing? Has your -work been progressing?”</p> -<p>“Considerably. I have discovered the pale green and the -golden yellow I have been looking for. You shall see my -samples.”</p> -<p>“And the other affair?”</p> -<p>Lowering his voice, he asked in anxious tones—</p> -<p>“The powders?”</p> -<p>“The formulæ have been tested, and their success -is assured.”</p> -<p>“Have you made any experiments?”</p> -<p>“Yes, Uncle Graff, and they have been terrible in their -simplicity. I set off, carrying a small piece of the -commerce-explosive, in the direction of Bossicant; I placed it -all around the roots of a huge oak. After igniting it, the -immense tree, without noise or smoke, lay there level with the -ground, lying in the heather, as though cut down by a giant -scythe.”</p> -<p>“No one saw you?”</p> -<p>“No one. The following morning the gamekeeper said, -‘Ah, M. Marcel, what a loss we have had! The old oak of the -flat Mare was struck to the ground last night by the storm. It is -strange how those old trees go; but the wind is a famous -wood-cutter!’ In fact, it would be impossible to form any -idea of the destructive force of this <a name="page224"></a><span -class="pagenum">p. 224</span>powder. I wished to test it once -more, and this time in the breaking up of a rock. Going to the -old stone quarry on the Sainte-Savine road I placed a squib in an -excavation. There were three hundred yards of earth and -sand-stone to explode. When night came I set fire to it, and -withdrew. There would be no one passing in the neighbourhood till -morning came; accordingly I feared no accident. The detonation -was extremely feeble, and I was only half a mile away. In fact, I -scarcely heard it. The following morning I returned to judge of -the result. It was terrible! The whole cube had been lifted, and -a hole six yards deep had been dug out in the shape of a funnel. -With a sufficient charge I would wager that a mountain could be -blown into the air! See here, Uncle Graff, if the Spaniards took -it into their heads to destroy Gibraltar they would succeed with -this powder. What a fine sight it would be, that huge mass, -rocks, parapets, casemates, cannons, and all the rest, thundering -down into the sea!”</p> -<p>“Have you drawn up your formulæ?”</p> -<p>“No, not yet.”</p> -<p>“Well, draw them up, and give them to me. I will take -them away with me to Paris, and deposit them at the Patents -Office. The time is come to make use of them.”</p> -<p>“You shall have them to-morrow morning, Uncle Graff. It -is a mere trifle.”</p> -<p>“You see, your father and myself have for some time been -putting into execution a plan, the consequences of which are -far-reaching. Baradier, who has a fine intuition for business, -has found out Lichtenbach’s plans. The old rascal caused -several shares in the explosives to be sold at a loss, and -brought the stock down to nothing. We were wondering why the -depreciation kept getting greater and greater, when chance -afforded us the proof that it was Lichtenbach who was plotting to -ruin the company, so as <a name="page225"></a><span -class="pagenum">p. 225</span>to reconstitute it to his profit. He -had seven or eight stockbrokers under his orders. One of them, -however, committed an indiscretion, which placed us immediately -in possession of the secret. Then your father, equal to the -emergency, did not hesitate, but bought up all Lichtenbach was -selling, and after the fall had reached the limit, the rise -began. At this moment we hold two hundred thousand shares in the -explosives, bought at a very low price, and which to-morrow, in -case the patent of the new powder is acquired by the company, -will rise above par. It is a formidable party stroke. If we -succeed, the fortune of the family is increased tenfold. We shall -have directed against Lichtenbach the attack he wished to inflict -on the Explosives shareholders. He will lose on what we gain, and -this time I think we shall have finished with him.”</p> -<p>“Very well! Uncle Graff, you shall have the -formulæ to-morrow, and you may do what you please with -them.”</p> -<p>“It will be a fortune for Mademoiselle de -Trémont, and one for ourselves into the -bargain.”</p> -<p>“Ah! Are you not rich enough?”</p> -<p>“Yes. But your father is ambitious. He wants the maximum -in everything, and affirms that there is no reason why French -fortunes should not be as great as those of the -Americans.”</p> -<p>“Ah! The Vanderbilts and the Astors! What a weakness to -think of such things!”</p> -<p>“My young friend, you cannot understand this -intoxication of success which takes possession of the calmest and -most level-headed of men. You know well enough that your father -is very simple in his tastes, and spends less money than you do. -But it is no longer a matter of pleasure; it is a question of -arithmetic.”</p> -<p>“Yes, I know. But it is precisely there that the harm -lies. It would be far better if he were not so rich, and <a -name="page226"></a><span class="pagenum">p. 226</span>spent more -money. What weapons you place in the hands of these socialists, -who are, at this very moment, causing us so much trouble! How can -you justify in their eyes such a piling-up of capital at the -disposal of one individual whilst the generality of men toil and -suffer from all kinds of privations? You see, Uncle Graff; the -sole excuse of wealthy men is that they spend a great deal, so as -to throw their superabundant riches into general circulation. It -would give me pleasure to see my father fling money out of the -window, since he has so much. Those in the street would pick it -up, and their momentary wretchedness would be relieved, at any -rate. I should be glad if he would order statues of sculptors, -and pictures of artists, and set rolling all the wealth now being -piled up in the safes. How can you expect me to be interested in -the shares of such and such a company? What does this paper -represent in my eyes, if not the labour of a whole crowd of -workmen, who toil and sweat to produce dividends which will -enrich the shareholders? Uncle Graff, all this is neither moral -nor just, nor even human! And I believe that a prodigal son like -myself is the just ransom, from a social point of view, of a -treasure-hoarder like my father.”</p> -<p>“But consider, my little Marcel, your father’s -work enriches, and his wealth strengthens the country. It is the -resources of the rich which keep up the vigour of a nation in -time of national peril. Your father is a citizen useful by reason -of his wealth, just as an inventor is by his genius, or a general -by his talent for war. It is your father who will give the -inventor funds to perfect his invention, and who will pay for the -improved cannons and guns of the soldier. Every man has his -function in life, as in society. And, I can assure you, your -father is not one of the most despicable.”</p> -<p>“Uncle Graff, I speak sentiment to you, and you reply <a -name="page227"></a><span class="pagenum">p. 227</span>with -political economy. It is impossible for us to come to an -agreement. We are both right, only we are not speaking of the -same thing.”</p> -<p>“Neither are we of the same generation. Ideas change -several times in a single century, and one generation does not -reason like the following. Your father and I have seen the war of -1870, invasion and ruin on every side, and we remember what a -ransom we had to pay. That has made us parsimonious for the rest -of our days. You came into the world only when prosperity had -returned; you have been brought up under the breath of Republican -ideas. Your thoughts are quite different from ours; you are an -advocate for equality. We are nothing of the kind. My father -inspired in me respect for caste. I have less consideration for a -tradesman than for a mill-proprietor, more respect for a lawyer, -a magistrate, or a notary, than for a painter or man of letters. -It is my nature. I cannot change if I would. I am well aware that -ideas are changing all round me, but I shall die impenitent. Your -generation has no bump of veneration as ours had. You consider -yourself on the same footing as an elderly man, famous and -respected, and you treat him on the most familiar terms. That is -something which would be impossible for me, any more than I -should expect the foreman at the works to look upon me as his -equal, and pat me familiarly on the shoulder. Possibly you and -your companions may be right, but I don’t think so. At any -rate we shall see what your children will be like, if you have -any, for even family life is another institution quite out of -fashion now.”</p> -<p>“Well, uncle, you have a very effective way of -discussing, without giving yourself any pretensions! Father would -long ago have called me a fool, without offering the slightest -argument. With you, it is different, and when I listen to you I -am by no means sure that I am right. <a name="page228"></a><span -class="pagenum">p. 228</span>Besides, you are so kind and -tolerant, Uncle Graff, that I do not feel myself capable of -resisting you for any length of time!”</p> -<p>“Ah, you little rogue! Now you are flattering me; you -know how to make me do as you wish. At bottom you are a sly fox, -and I believe you trick the lot of us!”</p> -<p>“Oh! Uncle Graff!”</p> -<p>“Come now, you are not so nice as that for -nothing,” said the old bachelor, with a laugh. “What -is it you want me to do for you now?”</p> -<p>“Nothing, upon my word, uncle. I am perfectly sincere in -everything I have just said!”</p> -<p>“Then you are conducting yourself very well just -now.”</p> -<p>Marcel raised his eyes, and said calmly—</p> -<p>“How could I do anything else here?”</p> -<p>“Ah! Do you think you could not find an opportunity if -you wanted? I really believe that if you were thrown on to a -desert island you would find means to fall in love and get into -debt, even there!”</p> -<p>“But who would pay them if my Uncle Graff were not at -hand?”</p> -<p>“You are jesting with me, you rascal!”</p> -<p>“No, I am quite serious. I never leave my laboratory -except for a walk in the woods; and I have not spent twenty-five -francs since I came here.”</p> -<p>A violent clamour, coming from the direction of the town, cut -short the conversation. A light shone in the sky. Songs, at the -same time as a dull tramp of a marching band, were heard on the -road. And the workmen’s Marseillaise, shouted out by -hundreds of voices, again broke the silence. On leaving the inn -the workmen, accompanied by their wives, were marching through -the sleeping town, hurling out against the startled citizens -threats of <a name="page229"></a><span class="pagenum">p. -229</span>revolt and violence. Marcel and his uncle Graff, -halting there in the garden, listened, and watched the shouting -mob as it passed by, waving in the air torches made of pine -branches. It was the smoke and flame hovering above a crowd which -was hurling imprecations against the masters.</p> -<p>Uncle Graff pointed to the street, and said—</p> -<p>“You hear what these people are saying. ‘All the -masters shall be strung up!’ And yet there is not one of -them who, were he ill or infirm, would not have the right to rely -on us to mitigate his suffering. We have given them -workmen’s dwellings where they are lodged, schools where -their children are educated, hospitals where they are treated -with every attention when ill, and co-operative societies where -they may buy everything at cheap rates. There is only the -public-house we have been unwilling to give them, and it is there -they go, to become filled with sentiments of hatred against us! -It is alcohol which is their master, and he is a pitiless tyrant -who will give them no mercy!”</p> -<p>The end of the column had just passed. Whether it was that -they had seen the two men in the garden, or they simply wished to -fling to the winds their cries of rebellion and rancour, these -latter, the most intoxicated and miserable of them all, screamed -forth in a shrill chorus, “Down with the masters! Down with -exploiters!” Then silence was restored by degrees. Uncle -Graff sadly shook his head, and said—</p> -<p>“Come along, exploiter, let us turn in!”</p> -<p>And they made their way towards the house.</p> -<p>The following morning Uncle Graff was up early. He hunted up -Cardez, to come to some arrangement with him; Marcel made his way -to the laboratory. He had promised the powder formula, and he -wished to draw it up at his leisure, As he entered he found -Baudoin arranging the <a name="page230"></a><span -class="pagenum">p. 230</span>chemical utensils. He admired the -unwonted order reigning in the capharnaum.</p> -<p>“Ah, that is better!” said he; “here is a -room which has not been so clean for several weeks. The dust -cannot know what it all means to be disturbed in this way. But -you must take care, Baudoin, not to touch a single product. There -are some very dangerous ones here.”</p> -<p>“Ah, sir, I know all about them; I handled any quantity -of products during my poor General’s lifetime. I always -obeyed the orders he gave me. And after what has taken place at -Vanves, I am not likely to risk handling them.”</p> -<p>“You have been sleeping in the summer-house, -Baudoin?”</p> -<p>“Yes, M. Marcel, I have arranged a bed very comfortably -in the attic. Now, I am no longer uneasy. Still, so long as there -are doubtful characters in the neighbourhood, I shall sleep with -one eye open.”</p> -<p>“In my opinion, the people to whom you allude have -intentions on the works rather than on the laboratory.”</p> -<p>“I cannot tell, M. Marcel. There are sufficient mixed -characters in the company which has come here the last few -days.”</p> -<p>“One would imagine you had discovered something -extraordinary.”</p> -<p>Baudoin bent his head. He was afraid he had said too much, and -recalled to mind Laforêt’s prudent advice.</p> -<p>“Oh! I am not clever enough for that; but I warn you, M. -Marcel, to be on your guard. Have confidence in no one—in -no one!”</p> -<p>He left the room, leaving Marcel astonished at his -persistence. What was the meaning of this mysterious warning his -servant kept giving him? Did he know more than he meant to tell? -To whom did he allude when he said, ‘In <a -name="page231"></a><span class="pagenum">p. 231</span>no -one.’ The beautiful and charming silhouette of Madame -Vignola sprang up in his imagination. Was it of her that he ought -to be on his guard? He pictured her again in her dreamy, careless -attitude, promenading sorrowfully in the woods of Bossicant. What -had he to fear from her? What danger could she make him incur, -except that of adoring her without obtaining a return of -affection? There, indeed, was a very grave and serious peril! It -was the most dreadful he could imagine just then, and one against -which he felt himself utterly helpless. To love, without -obtaining love in return! What would become of him if such a -misfortune befell him? He could not think of it without a kind of -distraction, so long as the young woman was mistress of his heart -and mind. For a few moments he walked up and down the laboratory -with anxious mien, and only halted when he heard the door open. -It was Uncle Graff.</p> -<p>“You know we have to meet the syndicate of workmen this -morning, at ten o’clock?”</p> -<p>“Yes; I have not forgotten.”</p> -<p>“What is the matter with you? You do not appear at your -ease. Is there anything that troubles you?”</p> -<p>“Nothing whatever; it is simply this distressing -situation that makes me anxious. Now that you have spoken to -Cardez, uncle, what is it the workmen want?”</p> -<p>“Oh, several things! In the first place, less work and -more pay. Afterwards, themselves to nominate their own overseer. -To have personal administration of the pension and assistance -funds. To submit to no stoppage of wages for insurance against -accidents. <i>Mon Dieu</i>! On all these points some -understanding may be reached, and I am quite disposed to meet -them half way. But there is on the point of being formulated a -final demand which may render all conciliation -impossible.”</p> -<p>“What is that!”</p> -<p><a name="page232"></a><span class="pagenum">p. -232</span>“They will demand the dismissal of Cardez, who is -accused by the workmen of being extremely severe in enforcing the -regulations.”</p> -<p>“Dismiss the director? To-morrow they will want to send -us away also.”</p> -<p>“Ah, my nephew, is not that the collectivist doctrine, -pure and simple? The works to the workers, the land to the -tillers—that is to say, the dispossession of the master and -the landlord. We are advancing in that direction.”</p> -<p>Marcel said coldly—</p> -<p>“We cannot give way on these points. Abdicate all -authority, be no longer master in one’s own house? At no -price and under no pretext. Be kind to the workmen, certainly! -But be their dupe, never!”</p> -<p>“Come,” said Uncle Graff, with a smile, “do -not get excited. You always go to extremes. Yesterday all fire -and flame; this morning full of reactionary energy. You must keep -to the golden mean as I do. I still have hopes of seeing the -triumph of reason and common sense. But I should like to obtain -one thing from you.”</p> -<p>“What is that?”</p> -<p>“That you go out for a stroll instead of being present -at the meeting.”</p> -<p>“Ah!” exclaimed Marcel; “that is not your -own idea, Uncle Graff. It is Cardez who has given you this -hint.”</p> -<p>“Well! I confess you are right. He mistrusts your -impetuosity, and is afraid you cannot keep perfect possession of -yourself. He knows what your opinions are.”</p> -<p>“The fool! Let him trouble himself with his own -opinions! After having alienated our workmen by useless reforms, -how can he have the assurance to ask that the son of his master -should not be present at a debate in which his own interests, -both material and moral, are engaged? And <a -name="page233"></a><span class="pagenum">p. 233</span>he thinks I -shall submit to this eviction? Decidedly, he knows me very -little!”</p> -<p>“But if I myself asked you not to come to the -meeting!”</p> -<p>“For what reason?”</p> -<p>Uncle Graff hesitated a moment, but finally decided to -speak.</p> -<p>“I did not wish to tell you all my reasons. This -morning’s debate may cause grave disorders. We have been -informed that the workmen, who have been worked up to a high -pitch, will admit of no refusal to their demands. In short, it is -feared violent measures will be resorted to.”</p> -<p>“Very good! The greater reason I should be -there!”</p> -<p>“If I consent, think what responsibility I assume in -your father’s eyes!”</p> -<p>“But what do you think I should do?”</p> -<p>“You would do well to take the next train for -Paris.”</p> -<p>“And leave you to resist these madmen, all alone? You -have a fine opinion of me, indeed!”</p> -<p>“Come, now, Marcel, do not get angry. I am an old man, -and command a certain amount of respect. It will be easy for me -to keep out of a quarrel, but it will be no easy matter to keep -an eye on you. To tell the truth, you would be greatly in the -way. Here, you have no official standing; you are simply an -inventor, and there is a whole group of workmen who regard you -with no kindly feelings on account of your investigations in -dyeing. They pretend that it is your intention to take away their -living by manufacturing with the machine what they now do by -hand. I assure you, Marcel, I have good reasons for keeping you -away, and, if you are reasonable, you will obey me.”</p> -<p>“Well, Uncle Graff, I am not reasonable. That you have -long known; on many occasions have I proved it, and I will prove -it once again to-day. I don’t care what people think. I -will keep close to your side, without giving <a -name="page234"></a><span class="pagenum">p. 234</span>you any -cause for trouble. But I will be present, because it is both my -duty and my right. Besides, if I did not come, some time after -you would say to yourself; ‘After all, he obeyed me very -readily. My young nephew is bent on pleasure only, and is quite -willing to keep out of the way when there is danger in the -air.’”</p> -<p>As the old man listened to his nephew the look of anxiety, by -degrees, disappeared from his countenance. Doubtless he blamed -him for his unwillingness to obey him, but approved of his -showing himself at once determined, devoted, and affectionate. Oh -yes, affectionate above all! In the bachelor’s tender heart -Marcel’s protests found a delightful echo. He felt himself -loved by this nephew of his, whom he himself loved as though he -were his own son, and all his discontent melted away in an -exquisite sensation of happiness. Still, he would not confess to -a satisfaction so little in accord with his expressed wishes. He -gave himself an angry and displeased mien; but a smile shone in -his eyes as he murmured—</p> -<p>“Very good! I cannot force you. As you please! If -anything happens through you we shall know whose fault it -is!”</p> -<p>“Uncle Graff, we will perish together!” exclaimed -the young man, gaily. “What more brilliant end could I hope -for! What a glorious item of news for the journals!”</p> -<p>“That would be the last straw!”</p> -<p>“What precautions are you going to take to prevent our -being devoured by the popular lion?”</p> -<p>“None whatever! I am convinced that a display of force -would effect no useful end. Accordingly, I begged the authorities -not to disturb themselves. They wished to send us out the -dragoons! Why not the artillery at once?”</p> -<p>“And who are the delegates to whom we shall have to -reply?”</p> -<p><a name="page235"></a><span class="pagenum">p. -235</span>“There are eight of them. But it is the famous -Balestrier who is at their head and acts as their -mouthpiece.”</p> -<p>“He is a very intelligent fellow, only he reads too many -books beyond his power of comprehension.”</p> -<p>“The rest are honest enough, but they have been incited -to revolt by their companions at Troyes, and I am afraid I shall -find them more violent than they are naturally disposed to be. -They assume an attitude and play a <i>rôle</i>.”</p> -<p>“We will judge them by their actions.”</p> -<p>Pointing out to his uncle on the laboratory table a glass -recipient of moderate size, Marcel said—</p> -<p>“Look at this jar, Uncle Graff. If I were to throw a -lighted match into it, in a moment I could annihilate all these -ill-advised strikers.”</p> -<p>“Then that is the famous powder?”</p> -<p>“Yes.”</p> -<p>“Show it me.”</p> -<p>Marcel took the jar, removed the stopper, and poured into his -hand a few small brown shavings. An odour of camphor spread -throughout the room.</p> -<p>“It is the war powder in flakes, but I intend to -manufacture it in pastilles. Then it will resemble an ordinary -button without holes. In flakes it is more convenient for -charging large projectiles. In pastilles it will be better suited -for cartridge sockets. Non-compressed it burns like German -tinder, with a smell of disinfecting powder, and entirely without -smoke. Would you like to see it?”</p> -<p>“No!” said Uncle Graff, eagerly. “I do not -care to see you handling such substances. One never knows! They -might explode without any one expecting it!”</p> -<p>“Impossible! Besides, as this powder smells of camphor -it might be placed with one’s clothes during the summer to -prevent the moths from spoiling them.”</p> -<p><a name="page236"></a><span class="pagenum">p. 236</span>He -laughed aloud. Uncle Graff, slightly reassured, forced him to -place the bottle back on to the table.</p> -<p>“And the commerce powder?”</p> -<p>“I have none manufactured. But the formula is already -there in the drawer.”</p> -<p>“With this formula Trémont’s discovery may -be exploited?”</p> -<p>“Certainly, on condition one knows how to make use of -it. But that is my secret, which I shall reveal only at the -moment the exploitation commences. The different kinds of -products employed, with their dosings, are specified.”</p> -<p>Opening a drawer he took out a sheet of paper, at the head of -which were written the words: Powder Formula. No. I. Then -followed lines of abbreviated words, with figures.</p> -<p>“Leave it in this drawer; I do not need it just now. You -will give it me this evening, after the conference. Then I will -write to your father and send on the paper to him.”</p> -<p>“As you please,” said Marcel.</p> -<p>Placing back the paper he shut the drawer. Uncle Graff left -the room saying—</p> -<p>“I am going to see Cardez; if you want me you will find -me with him.”</p> -<p>Marcel, left all alone, walked up and down the laboratory, -then drew near the open window, and looked out on to the river -flowing beneath. A fisherman was sitting there in a boat, moored -in the middle of the stream, engaged in throwing baked grain as -bait into the water all around him. A large straw hat covered his -head, whilst the wind blew out his grey smock-frock into the form -of a balloon. He did not appear even to see Marcel, but filled -his pipe with tobacco, lit it, and began to throw out his line, -at the end of which was a ball of worms as bait. After a few -moments a bite <a name="page237"></a><span class="pagenum">p. -237</span>came, he struck adroitly, and landed a small -silver-bellied fish in the boat. Marcel, interested, sat and -watched from the window-ledge. After watching for a good quarter -of an hour, the fisher, in his smock-frock, who, by the way, -appeared to have the best of luck, the door of the laboratory -opened, and Baudoin appeared. He seemed embarrassed, but came -straight up to his master, and said, in tones of seeming -regret—</p> -<p>“Monsieur Marcel, there is some one at the -porter’s lodge who is asking for you.”</p> -<p>“Who is it?”</p> -<p>Baudoin said, with a wry grimace—</p> -<p>“A kind of chambermaid.”</p> -<p>Marcel arose eagerly. He thought, “It is Milona, sent by -Madame Vignola. Something has happened.” In a trice he was -out of the room.</p> -<p>Baudoin followed him with ill-pleased look.</p> -<p>“How he runs off to meet her! Ah, that crafty woman -holds him tight indeed! And this servant, who looks like a gipsy! -This kind of company does not inspire confidence in -one!”</p> -<p>Marcel, on reaching the porter’s lodge, had found Milona -there, as he had conjectured. Drawing her aside, he asked -anxiously—</p> -<p>“No harm has befallen Madame Vignola?”</p> -<p>“No; I am with her all the time. But my mistress is -uneasy for your sake. She heard cries and threats, and saw -flashes of light through the darkness of the night. She well -knows what these mad acts of folly committed by an angry mob -mean, and would like to see you and have you explain the meaning -of all this tumult.”</p> -<p>“May I go to her at once?”</p> -<p>“She is expecting you every minute.”</p> -<p>He gave a gesture expressive of the joy he felt.</p> -<p><a name="page238"></a><span class="pagenum">p. -238</span>“Then start back at once. We must not be seen -crossing the plain together. In a few minutes I will follow you. -Tell this to your mistress.”</p> -<p>Milona bowed with a kind of haughty deference. With a tender -look at the young man she said—</p> -<p>“Do not tarry; she is never happy except when you are -there!”</p> -<p>Marcel stifled a cry of joy.</p> -<p>“Oh, Milona! What has she told you?”</p> -<p>“Nothing. But even had she taken me into her confidence -I would not betray her. All the same, I see the difference -between when she is alone and when you are with her. She is not -the same at all. Come! She was in tears all the -morning.”</p> -<p>With a bow, she placed her fingers to her lips and -withdrew.</p> -<p>Marcel watched her take her departure. His heart beat wildly; -flashes of light seemed to pass before his eyes. He had forgotten -everything—works, strikes, danger, Uncle Graff, and his -good resolutions. Now he thought of nothing but the radiant -blonde awaiting him in that solitary villa, for which he set off -with all the ardour of youth and love.</p> -<h3><a name="page239"></a><span class="pagenum">p. -239</span>CHAPTER V</h3> -<p><span class="smcap">In</span> the dimly-lit salon Marcel and -Madame Vignola were seated chatting near the window. It was ten -o’clock. In the clear blue sky the sun shone brightly, and -its warm rays breaking through the branches of the trees came -with caressing gentleness to the lovers. Madame Vignola was -saying in grave accents—</p> -<p>“Even in this out-of-the-way little place, right in the -midst of the forest and far away from the rush of town life, -there is no perfect peace and calm.”</p> -<p>“You seem to have no luck. Never before have the -inhabitants of Ars shown themselves so turbulent. Generally they -are quite peaceable and harmless creatures. If they have any -claims to make they do it with moderation and politeness, sure, -in advance, of obtaining what they want. I do not know what -madness has come over them!”</p> -<p>Madame Vignola smiled.</p> -<p>“Doubtless they have listened to bad counsel and advice. -But that is of little importance. The main thing is that you are -not exposed to the violence of these madmen. When I heard them -last night shouting out their threats of death I -trembled.”</p> -<p>“Then you do take a certain amount of interest in -me?”</p> -<p>“Can you ask me such a question?”</p> -<p><a name="page240"></a><span class="pagenum">p. -240</span>Passionately he seized hold of a dainty hand, which she -made no attempt to withdraw.</p> -<p>“Well, now, listen, Anetta. I cannot understand how I -have been able to find any joy in life before I knew you. I seem -to myself only to have been alive the last month.”</p> -<p>Graciously raising her hand with threatening gesture, she -said—</p> -<p>“Not another word! I know you have been anything but -perfect. Don’t try to deceive me like all the others you -have said you were in love with.”</p> -<p>“Oh! I have never been in love before. That I understand -well enough now!”</p> -<p>“Marcel, for pity’s sake, be quite frank with me. -I have gone through such suffering hitherto, but that was because -my heart was untouched. I am afraid of suffering now, as I shall -love—”</p> -<p>“No, have confidence in me. I will make you forget all -your past sorrow. You are so young, and the future may yet be so -bright for you. I want you all to myself. Once your mourning over -you will again become mistress of your own destiny, and if you -will authorize me to speak to your brother—”</p> -<p>The young woman gave a gesture of fright.</p> -<p>“To Cesare? Do nothing of the kind. You do not know him! -In a moment he would become your most bitter enemy!”</p> -<p>“Why so?”</p> -<p>“Ah! It is sad to think of and even sadder to mention. -Cesare is without fortune, and I have been left a wealthy widow -by M. Vignola. Were I to leave my brother, and cease to be free, -he would be absolutely without resource. How could I induce him -to accept a modest station in life? He is already unhappy, -indeed, at not being able to do honour to his birth, for we are -descended from a princely <a name="page241"></a><span -class="pagenum">p. 241</span>family. The Briviescas formerly -reigned in Padua. An Agostini was ruler of Parma. But ruin came, -and Count Cesare receives only the pay of a captain of cavalry. A -sorry position for a man of his disposition! Accordingly, ever -since I have been a widow he has undertaken the direction of my -property. He finds it to his advantage, I believe, and I am well -pleased that it is so. For he is very kind, and I am fond of -him.”</p> -<p>“In that case give him what belongs to you. Have I any -need of your fortune? I only want yourself! Leave Count Cesare -all your possessions. I, too, shall be rich, and if I wished I -could restore to you to-morrow more than all you would have -sacrificed in becoming mine.”</p> -<p>She seemed astonished. A light shone in her beautiful eyes as -she said—</p> -<p>“Tell me how?”</p> -<p>No suspicion came across his mind. He saw nothing but that -exquisite mouth and those gentle eyes which questioned him so -eloquently.</p> -<p>“I am in possession of a commercial secret calculated to -bring about a complete revolution in the economic conditions of -work in mines. The assured profit will not belong to me entirely, -but I shall have my share of it. That sole share alone will be -immense. They can do nothing without me, for I alone know the -secret of the process of manufacturing the powder. A company will -be formed to exploit the patents of this discovery. All this -means fortune—you hear, Anetta?—an immediate and -enormous fortune.”</p> -<p>“Oh! continue! Tell me all, my dear friend.”</p> -<p>“You are the first to whom I have said so much. But, -then, can I conceal anything from you? Were you to ask me for my -very honour I would sacrifice it for your sake. Besides, what -have I to fear from one so kind and disinterested? Yes, I am the -possessor of a glorious and <a name="page242"></a><span -class="pagenum">p. 242</span>powerful secret. The glory of the -discovery will belong to the inventor, and I shall be happy to -have helped in making him world-famed. To those who have -organized and rendered his work practicable will belong an -incalculable financial power.”</p> -<p>Madame Vignola interrupted Marcel.</p> -<p>“But suppose you were to disappear—suppose some -misfortune happened you; in these noisy street quarrels of the -strikers you might be struck to the ground. Then what would -become of this invention of yours? Probably you have given no -more thought to the protection of your secret than you have to -that of your life.”</p> -<p>As she spoke she pressed him to her heart, a look of anguish -overshadowing her face. Her looks seemed to burn into -Marcel’s brain as she gently passed her hand over his -brow.</p> -<p>“No!” he said. “Do not deceive yourself. I -took the precaution this very morning to write out the -formulæ of this wonderful invention.”</p> -<p>“You have it on your person?” she asked in -terrified accents.</p> -<p>“No, do not be anxious, dearest; I left it in my -laboratory. It cannot be destroyed now. My Uncle Graff would take -it from the drawer of my desk in case anything were to befall me. -But I love you, and nothing can possibly happen to me. I must -succeed and triumph if you love me!”</p> -<p>With a gesture expressive of infinite content, she -said—</p> -<p>“Can you doubt it, after what I have said? How could I -help loving one so fervent and capricious as you are? It is this -youthful folly of yours which pleased me from the beginning. You -are so different from those with whom I have hitherto lived. My -early life was passed with my old parents, who were very strict -and severe with me, in a cold <a name="page243"></a><span -class="pagenum">p. 243</span>and gloomy house in Milan. Then my -husband, though so kind and anxious to please me, could not bring -his cold and reasoning habits into harmony with my youth and -inexperience. Sorrow and <i>ennui</i> were my daily portion. It -seems that I have only awakened to life from this very day, as -though I had all my life been like the sleeping princess in the -fairy tale. You have appeared before me, and now my eyes open to -the light of day, my ears listen to your tender, loving words, -and with inexpressible delight I awake to a new birth of -happiness.”</p> -<p>The most accomplished actress could not have more artfully -uttered such ravishing words as these which fell from the lips of -the beautiful temptress. Turning aside her face, as though to -conceal her blushes, her lithe form seemed to quiver with -delight. He, maddened by this confession, and burning with the -passion this redoubtable enchantress knew so well how to inspire, -dropped his fevered head on Anetta’s shoulder. His reason -seemed to leave him as he murmured—</p> -<p>“I adore you!”</p> -<p>At this moment she turned her head to look at him, perhaps to -reply. Their lips met, and united in a burning kiss. Suddenly, -above the green expanse of forest, in the midst of the calm in -which the peaceful house was wrapped, rose a shout which grew -louder and louder, whilst the clang of an alarm-bell could be -distinctly heard. Anetta exclaimed—</p> -<p>“What is that?”</p> -<p>Marcel listened attentively.</p> -<p>“It sounds like shouts and cries for help coming from -the direction of Ars.”</p> -<p>He rushed towards the window, and, already trembling with -secret anguish, exclaimed—</p> -<p>“It is the alarm-bell! Perhaps the works are on fire! <a -name="page244"></a><span class="pagenum">p. 244</span><i>Mon -Dieu</i>! What can be the matter? You are well aware to what -risks we were exposed at Ars, and I am afraid that matters have -taken a turn for the worse in my absence.”</p> -<p>Madame Vignola opened the door, and called—</p> -<p>“Milo.”</p> -<p>The servant appeared. Without waiting to be questioned, she -said—</p> -<p>“There is something wrong at Ars, madame. Bells are -ringing, and a black cloud of smoke is rising above the trees. It -might be possible to see from the roof.”</p> -<p>“I will mount at once!” exclaimed Marcel.</p> -<p>“I will follow you. Go with him,” she said to -Milona.</p> -<p>But instead of keeping her word the young woman entered the -small office where she was in the habit of writing her letters, -took up a sheet of paper, and traced a few rapid lines. Steps -could already be heard on the staircase. Marcel, pale and -agitated, appeared before her.</p> -<p>“The fire must have caught the works. Oh, Anetta, I have -forgotten everything by your side! Good-bye, I must rush off at -once.”</p> -<p>“Marcel, do not forget that you are mine.”</p> -<p>With a look of fright she pressed him in her arms, and held -him back.</p> -<p>“Darling, I must go. What would they think of me? I will -return to-night. Let me go now.”</p> -<p>“Very well. But Milona will follow you, and bring me -back the news. Promise me you will be very careful.”</p> -<p>A final kiss, and he was already in the garden. Anetta turned -to the servant and handed to her the note she had just -written.</p> -<p>“Run to Ars. On the river, in a boat, you will see Hans, -dressed like a peasant. Give him this paper, and return at once. -Go, Milo! This time we shall succeed.”</p> -<p><a name="page245"></a><span class="pagenum">p. -245</span>“And the young man, madame—what will you do -with him?”</p> -<p>A look of anxiety came over her brow.</p> -<p>“I cannot tell yet, Milo. I believe I love -him.”</p> -<p>The servant smiled faintly as she said—</p> -<p>“Poor fellow! What a pity!”</p> -<p>And, without another word, she disappeared.</p> -<p>Marcel was running towards the works. At the first turn of the -road the whole town lay before his eyes. From the Supply Stores a -lofty column of black smoke mounted towards the sky, and flames -were beginning to break through the roof.</p> -<p>“Ah, the wretches!” exclaimed the young man. -“They have set the place on fire! And Uncle Graff? <i>Mon -Dieu</i>! if only he is safe and sound!”</p> -<p>Young and vigorous, spurred on by fear and anger, he ran along -faster than ever. A mass of onlookers was standing in the street, -kept in check by the police. Marcel rushed through them like a -bullet and entered the yard, perspiring and out of breath. -Workmen were manipulating the fire-engine belonging to the works. -On seeing their master’s son arrive they exclaimed -eagerly—</p> -<p>“Ah, M. Marcel! You have come at last!”</p> -<p>“How did the fire happen?” exclaimed the young man -panting for breath.</p> -<p>No one replied. They were two hundred; he was alone. All the -same he exclaimed, in angry tones—</p> -<p>“So it is you, rascals, you who have set fire to the -works which afforded you your only means of -livelihood?”</p> -<p>They protested noisily.</p> -<p>“No, M. Marcel, we did not do it! We set forth our -demands, but we did not enforce them by such villainous means. -There are strangers about. We had nothing to do with -it.”</p> -<p><a name="page246"></a><span class="pagenum">p. -246</span>“Where is my uncle Graff?”</p> -<p>Terror-stricken, a foreman advanced—</p> -<p>“Ah, M. Marcel, we could not prevent him -entering.”</p> -<p>“Entering where?”</p> -<p>“Into the managing department, with M. Cardez and your -servant. They wanted to find the account books, etc.”</p> -<p>“But the managing department is on fire!” shrieked -the young man, in despair. “If you could not prevent them -going, you might at least have accompanied them.”</p> -<p>A crash was now heard coming from the burning building. -Millions of sparks shot forth into the air, and a black dust -filled the sky. It was the roof of the stores, which had fallen -in.</p> -<p>“How can we reach them now?” said the overseer, -anxiously. “They are caught between the weaving department -and the stores. The fire is all over the place now.”</p> -<p>“By the roof.”</p> -<p>The workman shook his head discouragingly.</p> -<p>“Who will dare to go?”</p> -<p>“I will!”</p> -<p>“But it means death!”</p> -<p>“Well, I will risk it with them!”</p> -<p>“We will not let you go. What would your father -say?”</p> -<p>“What would he say if I did not go?”</p> -<p>Scarcely knowing what he was doing, Marcel seized hold of a -hatchet, and rushed into the works. A violent biting sensation of -heat seized him by the throat, but he did not halt. He mounted -the staircase leading to the door of the book-keeping department. -Here he was forced to stop. Before him was a wall of flames. -Climbing higher, he came out on the roof, ran along a drain-pipe, -entered the loft, <a name="page247"></a><span class="pagenum">p. -247</span>which was filled with smoke, and, almost suffocated, -reached that part of the building which lay above the offices. -The fire had not reached them. He halted. If Cardez and Uncle -Graff were in the book-keeping compartment they were surrounded -on every side by the fire. Accordingly, they could only effect an -escape either from above or below. Without the slightest -hesitation he began to cut away at the floor. Suddenly he heard -his name called from the roof. Without stopping he shouted -back—</p> -<p>“This way! In the loft!”</p> -<p>It was the overseer and three of the workmen, who had followed -with picks and levers. They set to work. Marcel, with his -hatchet, seemed possessed of the strength of ten men; the beams -appeared to fall away like reeds before the blows he dealt. -Bricks and plaster were flying in all directions. At last a hole -was made in the floor, and Marcel, lying flat on the ground, -shouted with all his might—</p> -<p>“Uncle Graff, Cardez, Baudoin—are you -there?”</p> -<p>A stifled voice replied—</p> -<p>“Ah! This is you, Marcel. Yes, we are here. Be quick; we -are almost exhausted. The smoke is suffocating us. We cannot open -the window on account of the flames.”</p> -<p>“Take care of yourselves!”</p> -<p>Seizing the lever he gave a powerful lift, which considerably -enlarged the hole. Then he saw the smoke rise as though by an -escape-flue. There appeared in full view the three men, who had -not let go their books and registers, stolidly awaiting -deliverance or death. It was deliverance that came. A rope was -lowered down the hole.</p> -<p>“Baudoin, fasten my uncle firmly under the arms with -this rope. Are you ready?”</p> -<p>“Yes.”</p> -<p>“Pull away, my men!”</p> -<p>The rope, hoisted by impatient arms, was drawn up, and <a -name="page248"></a><span class="pagenum">p. 248</span>Uncle -Graff, black with dirt and smoke, trembling, and scarcely able to -breathe, though perfectly happy, was pressed in Marcel’s -arms, whilst tears flowed down their cheeks, though not a word -was uttered. Cardez and Baudoin were hoisted up in the same -way.</p> -<p>“By the way,” said Marcel, “is there -anything else you want from the office? I will go down, if you -like.”</p> -<p>“No!” exclaimed Uncle Graff; finding his voice; -“we have all the books we want. That is sufficient! The -place is insured, so there is nothing more to do.”</p> -<p>“Then we must beat a retreat at once,” exclaimed -Marcel. “The smoke is getting denser here.”</p> -<p>Marcel, helping along his uncle, made his way to the -drain-pipe. From the yard they were seen returning safe and -sound. An immense shout arose, almost deafening the roar of the -flames. They reached the works, where the firemen had already -taken up their positions with the object of preserving the -buildings still intact. Once in the yard Uncle Graff sank down on -a bale of wool, turned pale, and almost fainted. He had come to -the end of his strength.</p> -<p>“A glass of water!” exclaimed Marcel.</p> -<p>In a moment a decanter was in his hand. No matter what he had -asked for, his demand would have been immediately obeyed. Full of -respect before courage and devotion, the mob regarded him with -indulgent and reverent tenderness. The very men who had cried out -only the night before, “Down with the masters!” were -ready to shout out, Hurrah for M. Marcel! The reason was that he -had just performed a feat none of them had had courage to -attempt, and in their inmost souls they were conscious that he -was braver and better than themselves, and, accordingly, they -felt nothing but admiration for him.</p> -<p>“Cardez, take these registers and the money home,” -<a name="page249"></a><span class="pagenum">p. 249</span>said -Marcel. “We will go to my home, Uncle Graff. You must try -to regain your strength completely.”</p> -<p>“No! I feel better already. I can breathe more freely. -Ah, Marcel, you came just in time. Another quarter of an hour and -you would have found us all dead.”</p> -<p>“I was miserable at the thought that I was not with you -all the time.”</p> -<p>“Had you been with us everything would have been lost! -We were dying. Your absence was quite providential! But for that, -all would have been over with us!”</p> -<p>“But how did it all happen?”</p> -<p>“We cannot understand anything yet! For an hour we had -been discussing with the delegates, and I must say the peaceful -settlement of the strike seemed very doubtful, when we were -suddenly interrupted by shouts of ‘Fire! Fire!’ The -workmen assembled in the yard awaiting the delegates had just -seen a dense cloud of smoke issue from the stores. To tell the -truth, they were ill-disposed towards us. When we crossed the -yard on the way to the office they received us with a hostile -silence. Not a head was uncovered. Veritable enemies on our own -ground! In a moment the fire effected a complete change. They -became like madmen when they saw the works burning. At bottom -these workmen are not evil-disposed, for they rushed forth from -every direction, shouting out, ‘To the pumps!’ When -they saw me appear with Cardez they shouted: ‘M. Graff, -this is not our work!’ A moment after one of the strangers, -who has been here only a week, a native of Luxembourg, named -Verstraet, being caught prowling about the works, they half -killed him, accusing him of being the incendiary. We were obliged -to tear him from their hands.”</p> -<p>Marcel listened with gloomy interest to this recital. He -associated the fire with the strange fears, manifested on <a -name="page250"></a><span class="pagenum">p. 250</span>different -occasions by Baudoin, respecting the safety of the laboratory. He -heard the servant say, “Just now, there are men here whose -appearance is anything but prepossessing.” The workmen also -spoke vaguely about strangers. Everything was wrapped in mystery. -Instinctively, Marcel felt himself enveloped in a network of -threats and hatred. Was it still this secret of the General de -Trémont, which brought disaster on all those who possessed -it? Looking round for Baudoin, he found that he had disappeared. -The fire was raging less fiercely, for the torrents of water -poured on the stores had extinguished the bales of wool. The -works themselves did not seem to have suffered to any -considerable extent; the loss was only partial. The captain of -the Ars fire brigade, a plumber by trade, came out from the rest -and stood there, hot and panting, with cap in hand, before M. -Graff and Cardez.</p> -<p>“Well, gentlemen, we shall come out of this affair -better than we might have expected. At present, more than -two-thirds of the works are safe. We may take our breath a -little. It has been warm work, indeed, the last hour!”</p> -<p>“Yes. But for M. Marcel,” said Cardez, “we -should not be speaking to you at this moment, M. -Prevost.”</p> -<p>“That was a very noble act of his,” said the -captain. “Ah! neither my men nor myself had thought of -doing as he did. There was courage enough in us, but we should -not have thought of piercing a hole in the roof. He did not lose -his head; and that was the main thing.”</p> -<p>Just at that moment, a voice quivering with anguish, was -heard, and Marcel, pale and excited, came rushing from the -laboratory, exclaiming—</p> -<p>“Uncle Graff. Come here, quick!”</p> -<p>“What is the matter?” asked Cardez.</p> -<p>“Stay here! My uncle only!” said the young man. -Monsieur Graff immediately went up to his nephew. <a -name="page251"></a><span class="pagenum">p. 251</span>Baudoin was -already on the threshold guarding the entrance.</p> -<p>“Come in! <i>Mon Dieu</i>! Come in!” said Marcel, -pushing the old man before him. “Baudoin, shut the door and -place the key inside.”</p> -<p>“What is the matter now?” exclaimed the old -man.</p> -<p>“Look!”</p> -<p>Standing there on the threshold of the capharnaum, the three -men looked around in bewildered astonishment. All the signs of a -desperate fight had thrown the room into the utmost disorder. A -curtain, half torn from the window still open on the river, was -hanging from its broken pole. Jars, retorts, and alembics of -every description crushed to pieces lay scattered about the -floor. On the table was a large clot of blood, still wet, as -though some one had there met his death. The paper everywhere was -splashed over with large red spots, and the drawer of the table -lay wide open before their eyes.</p> -<p>“What has taken place here?” asked Uncle Graff, in -low tones.</p> -<p>“Look in the drawer, Uncle Graff,” said Marcel. -“Try to find the formula I placed there before your -eyes.”</p> -<p>“Well!”</p> -<p>“It is there no longer! It has been stolen! Look for the -flagon containing the war powder, which was on the table. -Disappeared!”</p> -<p>“Stolen? By whom?”</p> -<p>“Perhaps by the same person who set fire to the works? -Whose blood is that on the floor? Uncle Graff, we have brought -about our heads a terrible stream of enemies. Think of what has -happened concerning the inventions of M. de Trémont. There -has been a whole band of rascals at work for months, bent on -stealing these secrets at whatever cost, and in face of the -greatest difficulties! My father <a name="page252"></a><span -class="pagenum">p. 252</span>guessed this, for it was with the -utmost trouble that I succeeded in obtaining his permission to -continue this discovery. Baudoin knew it, for he asked my -permission to keep watch in the laboratory. It was the excitement -caused by the fire which forced him to quit his post; doubtless, -had he stayed here, he, too, would have lost his life. But whose -blood is this that has been shed?”</p> -<p>“Come, my child, do calm yourself,” said the old -man, alarmed at the increasing agitation of his nephew. -“Speak, Baudoin, tell us all you know.”</p> -<p>“Monsieur Graff, I know who has fallen here, and I know, -too, whose hand struck the blow. The victim is a man devoted to -our cause, who, from the very first, had scented the culprits. He -could not help the robbery being committed, and, had he not been -killed, he would certainly have arrested the thief.”</p> -<p>“And who is the man who struck him?”</p> -<p>“Ah! This is by no means the first attempt. He is a -determined villain; all the troubles in the district have been -caused by this man. It is he who started the conflagration. He -who stabbed General de Trémont. It is the man of Vanves. -In a word, it is Hans!”</p> -<p>“How do you know this?”</p> -<p>“Because I have seen him. Laforêt, whom I had sent -for to keep a watch on these people whom I suspected, and who has -doubtless paid with his life for his zeal and devotion, followed -him last night, and we both spent part of the night in tracking -his movements. We were present at his conferences with the -leaders of the strike at the Soleil d’Or. We heard him give -his orders to his acolytes. It is he our unhappy workmen obeyed, -without knowing it, seduced as they were by the rabid language of -the leaders. This is the villain who, secretly, and from a -distance, directed the riot, and set fire to the -works!”</p> -<p><a name="page253"></a><span class="pagenum">p. -253</span>“But how could he know that the written formula -was in the table of the laboratory? Why did he come -here?”</p> -<p>“He came here because I ran off to the fire and left my -post. He has, somehow or other, received precise -information.”</p> -<p>Baudoin stopped. He gave his young master a look of -anguish.</p> -<p>“Ah, Monsieur Marcel, must I speak? Will you pardon -me?”</p> -<p>Marcel turned pale. All the same he said, in firm -tones—</p> -<p>“Speak. I insist upon it.”</p> -<p>“Well, then, this man, for the past week, has been -living at the Villa de la Cavée.”</p> -<p>“Impossible!” exclaimed Marcel. “Hans! This -villain?”</p> -<p>“Monsieur Marcel,” resumed Baudoin, bravely, but -with infinite sadness, “I have seen him there myself. -Laforêt has been watching him for a whole week. He lived in -the attic, and only went out at nights.”</p> -<p>“And I never suspected anything!” exclaimed the -young man, in stupefied grief. “Then who is this woman who -has been there the last six weeks? What is this atrocious farce -she has been playing with me?”</p> -<p>“Ah!” exclaimed Uncle Graff. “A woman! -Another woman? Incorrigible child!”</p> -<p>Marcel, seated by the table on a stool, his head in his hands, -was endeavouring to collect his ideas. He was falling from a pure -heaven of delight in which he had been living into the -degradation of blood and crime.</p> -<p>“Come, it is impossible!” he continued, with -trembling voice. “Why should she have deceived me so -atrociously? Was there any need to make me so madly in love with -her? No, I cannot believe her guilty; she never lied once to me. -<a name="page254"></a><span class="pagenum">p. 254</span>Her very -looks were frank and true. No, no! You are mistaken; you are -heaping calumny on her! Even though the man be a villain, she, at -least, is no accomplice of his. She is his victim, as we all are. -If they tried to harm me, she had not the strength or the -authority to resist. And if she knows what has happened, she is -lamenting it all, as we are, this very moment.”</p> -<p>His desperate protests were stifled by sobs, and, leaning his -head on the blood-stained table, he wept bitterly. His uncle -respected his grief, and, taking Baudoin to the window, he said -to him, in subdued tones—</p> -<p>“In your opinion, who has been in the laboratory after -you left it?”</p> -<p>“Laforêt, who was keeping watch over our man, must -have followed him to this very spot. During the tumult caused by -the fire Hans entered the yard of the works, and went right to -the summer-house. Laforêt must have surprised him whilst he -was examining the drawer. A terrible struggle must then have -taken place between Hans, who is a giant in form, and -Laforêt, who is very muscular. Hans doubtless made use of -some arm or other to rid him of his adversary. Laforêt, -killed outright, or stunned, fell on the table, thereupon Hans -seized him and dragged him to the window. He became entangled -with the curtain, which has been torn away; the weight must have -been a heavy one, for the pole is broken.”</p> -<p>“And afterwards?” asked M. Graff, anxiously.</p> -<p>“Afterwards Hans flung the ill-fated Laforêt out -of the window. The current has carried him off. Probably he will -be picked up in the sluice of the mill of -Sainte-Savine.”</p> -<p>“And the woman, Baudoin?” whispered the old -man.</p> -<p>“Ah, Monsieur Graff, I do not know if she is the woman -of Vanves or not. Both the scent she uses and her <a -name="page255"></a><span class="pagenum">p. 255</span>voice are -different. But a voice may be modified, and a perfume changed. -What remains unchanging is villainous skill and seductive charm. -This one has all that is needed to madden a man—beauty, -distinction, grace. Look at M. Marcel there, in tears. It is -neither crime nor theft that has brought him into that state. It -is the grief caused by suspecting the one he adores, and the fear -that he may now be under the obligation of hating her.”</p> -<p>“Poor fellow! He, at least, did not deserve to suffer. -He has been very brave. But for him, Baudoin, we should not now -be in the land of the living.”</p> -<p>“True; and but for this wretched woman all this trouble -would have been avoided. She well knows what she has done, and -with whom she has had to deal. It is not you she would have -undertaken to corrupt. She would have known beforehand that your -calm and tranquil reason would have guarded you from her attacks. -But with the General and M. Marcel it was different. Oh, M. -Graff, she has made no mistake! Had she had either the necessary -time or desire both the old and the young man would have given up -their secret of their own accord.”</p> -<p>Uncle Graff, astonished at such clear-sightedness, looked at -Baudoin with considerable interest.</p> -<p>“Ah, sir, you are astonished at hearing me speak in this -way. But what I have said is not an invention. My General, on -those days when he was master of himself, spoke to me in similar -terms. He accused and blamed himself, well knowing how weak he -was.”</p> -<p>“And his weakness brought him to his death. Let us -consider ourselves fortunate that Marcel has not been treated so -harshly. The poor fellow suffers; he is unhappy. But, then, he is -only twenty-five years of age, and in one’s youth no sorrow -lasts long. But if these rascals had killed him? Ah, his father -seemed to guess the danger he ran! He <a name="page256"></a><span -class="pagenum">p. 256</span>imagined his son would be safer at -Ars, in the midst of the workmen, but you see how mistaken he has -been.”</p> -<p>“Ah! But, after all, this woman knew how to track him. -And in this quiet spot her power was more manifest than -ever.”</p> -<p>“What will she do now?”</p> -<p>“Disappear with her acolytes.”</p> -<p>“Are there many of them?”</p> -<p>“There is a pretended brother, a handsome, -dark-complexioned young fellow; the servant, who called this -morning for M. Marcel; and then Hans, without counting those we -know nothing about. A whole band, you may be certain. Sir, not a -single act of rascality or treachery happens in the country -without those rascals having a hand in it. Laforêt told me -so himself: ‘France is exploited by foreigners. The -Government will do for strangers what they will not do for -Frenchmen. If only an individual offers himself, speaking with a -foreign accent, and wearing a many-coloured decoration, all kinds -of privileges are showered upon him.’ We are a set of -ninnies and simpletons, M. Graff, though we imagine ourselves -very clever.”</p> -<p>Marcel drew near. During the past few minutes his face seemed -to have become quite furrowed.</p> -<p>“Uncle Graff,” he said, “the present is not -the time for lamenting. We must act at once. Perhaps we may still -come across the bold scoundrel who has been here. We must give a -description of him to the police. For myself, I shall go to the -villa and find out the whole truth.”</p> -<p>“We know very little, Marcel, about the people with whom -we have to deal if we can think they have lost a single second in -escaping.”</p> -<p>“How can they imagine they are even -suspected?”</p> -<p>“The <i>coup</i> is effected; all they need do now will -be to clear off!”</p> -<p><a name="page257"></a><span class="pagenum">p. -257</span>Marcel gave a gesture of protest.</p> -<p>“Yes,” continued the old man, gently. “You -are asking why she could have gone? How could she have taken her -departure without seeing me again? My poor child, you are still -under the effect of the delusion practised on you! You cannot yet -understand that all the tenderness she lavished on you was -calculated, interested in its nature, that, in short, you were -only a victim. And you still expect her to be waiting for you. -Well! we will all go and see, my child. Then we shall know the -value of the promises by which you have allowed yourself to be -deceived. Meanwhile we must inform the authorities. Take my -advice, and say nothing about the powders. We must speak of the -murder only. Our man will be caught just as easily, if he is to -be caught at all, which I very much doubt. We will keep our -secret in the background. Ah! We have to deal with enemies -stronger than ourselves! Do not reproach yourself in any way. -Everything was too well arranged. In one way or another, you were -bound to succumb. Luckily, your life is out of danger.”</p> -<p>“Thanks, Uncle Graff, you do your best to console me. -But I shall never forgive myself, in case you are right. Come -along.”</p> -<p>They descended into the yard. The fire had been extinguished, -and the pumps were now silent, with the exception of the one -belonging to the works, which was still dashing water on the -ruins. On their approach, the crowd of workmen stood there in -respectful silence, all heads uncovered. This misfortune had -kindled renewed sympathy with their masters, and their devotion -enjoined an attitude of respect. Cardez came forward, and -said—</p> -<p>“Monsieur Graff, the workmen want you to speak to them. -They do not wish to remain suspected.”</p> -<p>Graff advanced, and said in grave accents—</p> -<p><a name="page258"></a><span class="pagenum">p. -258</span>“My friends, I know you too well to accuse you of -the crime which has been committed here. I am well aware that you -are hot-headed, but you are very honest all the same. Besides, -what would have been the use of such wilful destruction, if not -to throw you on to the streets and cause you to die of hunger? -The very moment the fire broke out, your delegates and ourselves -were on the point of coming to a mutual understanding. After the -good will you have just given proof of, in uniting to save the -works, I can only admit of one solution, the one most favourable -to you. Accordingly, I grant you your demands.”</p> -<p>An immense cheer of mingled joy and gratitude burst from five -hundred throats. Caps were waved high in the air. Graff raised -his hand; silence was instantly restored.</p> -<p>“I beg you to remember that it is to the manager quite -as much as to myself that you owed this result. If he is severe -in point of discipline, it is because he feels it to be necessary -in the interest of the work. But no one is a stauncher upholder -of your interests than your excellent director.”</p> -<p>“Hurrah for M. Cardez!”</p> -<p>Uncle Graff smiled.</p> -<p>“Come, come! You are like overgrown children! Yesterday -you wanted to hang him. And myself into the bargain! To-day you -receive him with shouts of joy. And it is at this moment that you -are more just and reasonable. Remember what has taken place. And -next time you have any demands to make, do not begin by threats -of murder. Now, go home, all of you, and to-morrow morning, at -the usual hour, we shall expect you back at work!”</p> -<p>The crowd melted away in respectful silence. With its usual -fickleness it now showered blessings on those it <a -name="page259"></a><span class="pagenum">p. 259</span>had -formerly cursed. Obeying its instincts, which are always generous -and kind when left to develop freely, it congratulated itself on -the happy ending of a day which might have been so tragic, and -now withdrew, delighted at the prospect of resuming the labour it -had contemptibly looked upon as utter slavery.</p> -<h2><a name="page260"></a><span class="pagenum">p. 260</span>PART -III</h2> -<h3>CHAPTER I</h3> -<p><span class="smcap">Whilst</span> Milona was running in the -direction of Ars, her mistress returned quietly to the salon. -Flinging herself on the sofa, she abandoned herself to a -delightful reverie. What a difference she found between Cesare -Agostini and Marcel! A feeling of nausea came over her when she -compared them with one another. The complaisant and needy lover, -who always knew when to close his eyes, when some mysterious -interests of his were at stake, and this tender, sincere lover, -who thought of nothing but her happiness, and sacrificed for that -his own.</p> -<p>She remembered Hans’ sarcastic remarks, “Take care -you are not caught in your own net, and fall in love with this -young man.” Had he then read her inmost thoughts, this -dread accomplice of hers, who trampled humanity under foot, and -who had no more respect for joy and happiness than the hail has -for the harvest? Suppose it were so? Had she not the right to do -as she wished? Was she a slave, linked to obscure and threatening -adventurers engaged in some formidable though tremendous task? Or -was there equality for both them and herself, in danger, success, -and pleasure alike? Who could compel her to do what was -displeasing to her—above all, who would dare to attempt it? -She knew she was as dangerous as any of them, <a -name="page261"></a><span class="pagenum">p. 261</span>and they, -too, were well aware how powerful and audacious she was. If it -were necessary to try conclusions with them, they would see who -would come out the winner.</p> -<p>She smiled, and her face shone with the light of a glorious -graciousness. In that young woman, with those delicate, refined -features, who would have discovered the bold, sarcastic Sophia -Grodsko? What would Lichtenbach have said, had he seen her, and -what would all those have thought who had known her, so faithless -and vice-stained, fatal to all who had loved her, and whom she -had led on to ruin, dishonour, or death? A young man, the least -remarkable of all she had hitherto met, in all probability, had -obtained the triumph of making her uneasy and anxious at the -thought of what might become of him. Following him in -imagination, on his way back to the town, she wondered if it -would not have been better to have kept him by her side, instead -of allowing him to rush off to the burning works, and especially -towards the spot where Hans was watching—Hans, more to be -dreaded than all the other scourges combined.</p> -<p>She rose, and, already repenting of having shown such a lack -of decision, she was deliberating whether or not she ought, -herself, to go to Ars, and find out what was taking place there. -Prudence checked the impulse. All the same, she mounted to the -second floor of the villa, on to a balcony from which a view of -the valley could be obtained beyond the trees. There she quickly -saw that the danger, if there had been any, had lessened. The -smoke was disappearing, not a single flame was to be seen, and -the hubbub from the town had calmed down, whilst even the church -bell had ceased ringing. She was about to descend, when she saw -Milona open the garden gate. The servant was coming along the -alley with rapid and uneasy steps. Sophia had a presentiment that -she was the bearer of bad news, and gave <a -name="page262"></a><span class="pagenum">p. 262</span>a sharp, -low whistle. Milo mounted the steps all out of breath, and came -straight to her mistress—</p> -<p>“I have performed your commission,” she said. -“I found Hans. He read your note, and placed it back in my -hands. Here it is.”</p> -<p>“Good. That is not all. What is the matter?”</p> -<p>“Agostini is close behind me. He has just landed at -Ars.”</p> -<p>Sophia frowned. A slight blush mounted to her cheeks. Taking a -match, she lit it, and set fire to the paper Milona had handed to -her. Thoughtfully, she watched the ashes fly away in the wind. -Then she asked—</p> -<p>“How is he coming here?”</p> -<p>“In a cab. Listen, you may hear the horse’s hoofs -already.”</p> -<p>The cab stopped in front of the door, and Cesare descended. -The cabman waited. Sophia slowly descended the staircase, and -found herself in the hall, to receive the handsome Italian. He -advanced with shining eyes and eager gait. Carelessly, and with -an air of indifference, she held out her hand.</p> -<p>“Well, well! my dear,” said he. “Is this the -way you receive me after a fortnight’s absence?”</p> -<p>“Silence!” she said firmly; “this is no time -for nonsense. Hans at this very moment is doubtless risking his -life to obtain possession of the powders.”</p> -<p>“Have you then succeeded with our young -victim?”</p> -<p>“You may see for yourself. There will be more to learn -later on.”</p> -<p>“Diavolo!”</p> -<p>Rushing from the room, he exclaimed—</p> -<p>“Milo, tell the cabman to wait.”</p> -<p>He returned—</p> -<p>“Who knows if we shall not need him shortly? As I <a -name="page263"></a><span class="pagenum">p. 263</span>passed by I -saw the town was in the greatest commotion imaginable, and that -the works were on fire. Is this accident an invention of -yours?”</p> -<p>“I believe Hans arranged the whole affair.”</p> -<p>“Gay disposition, Hans! He is fond of an attractive -<i>mise en scene</i>. But I should be glad to have a little -lunch; I left Paris quite hurriedly.”</p> -<p>“Milona will serve you.”</p> -<p>They passed into the dining-room. The table was set, and -Cesare took a seat.</p> -<p>“Come and talk to me, my beautiful Sophia. Time has -weighed heavy on my hands since last I saw you. I have vainly -sought for distractions.”</p> -<p>“What have you been doing?”</p> -<p>“Ah! Trying to win a little money at cards. A kind of -fatality seems to pursue me, my bad luck never leaves me, and I -cannot touch a card without losing.”</p> -<p>“You have lost much?”</p> -<p>“Too much! I so easily get excited, you know.”</p> -<p>“Well, how much?” asked Sophia, impatiently.</p> -<p>The handsome Italian replied with a smile—</p> -<p>“Nothing at all, cara; I had the money!”</p> -<p>“Who gave it you?”</p> -<p>“Lichtenbach. I was obliged to accustom him to my little -fancies. When he becomes my father-in-law I shall appeal to him -rather often.”</p> -<p>“Take care. He may tire.”</p> -<p>“He will not be allowed to do so.”</p> -<p>“His resources are not inexhaustible.”</p> -<p>“You are jesting. I am well acquainted with the source -of his wealth.”</p> -<p>“Indeed! Who has been informing you?”</p> -<p>“A relation of mine, the Very Reverend Monsignor Boldi, -whom I saw in Paris a few days ago. Lichtenbach, <a -name="page264"></a><span class="pagenum">p. 264</span>in addition -to his wealth, is a church trustee. I no longer wonder at the -influence he wields. He has the disposal of immense sums, and of -almost limitless power. But he is not a man of action. He is -always hesitating and trembling. Had you seen how terrified he -was when I alluded to his position as a kind of ecclesiastical -banker, you would have laughed outright. Ah! cara, his brow was -covered with perspiration. Whatever can he be afraid -of?”</p> -<p>“From his constituents, nothing. From you, everything. -That he doubtless guessed at once.”</p> -<p>“Oh! <i>Mon Dieu</i>! All that trouble for such a -trifle! A mere bagatelle of forty thousand francs. That cursed -baccarat! But Lichtenbach never plays, except on the Bourse. And -there he always wins!”</p> -<p>“Question!”</p> -<p>“Ah! Can he, too, be cursed with bad luck?”</p> -<p>“We are now doing our best to arrange matters so that he -may have nothing but good luck!”</p> -<p>“The powder affair?”</p> -<p>“Yes. Listen, what is that?”</p> -<p>A sound was heard outside. Taking from a cupboard a small -revolver, she slipped it into her pocket, and -said—“Are you armed?”</p> -<p>“I am always armed. What are you afraid of?”</p> -<p>“Wait!”</p> -<p>In the silence a curious whistling sound was heard. -Sophia’s features relaxed.</p> -<p>“It is Hans!”</p> -<p>A rapid step was heard on the sand of the alley. The door of -the salon opened, and Milona made her appearance, followed by the -colossus. He was still clothed in his mean-looking fisher’s -costume. Flinging his hat on the ground, he removed his blouse -and his huge shoes, without the slightest thought of -Sophia’s presence, and exclaimed—</p> -<p><a name="page265"></a><span class="pagenum">p. -265</span>“Milo, my clothes.”</p> -<p>Placing on the table a glass recipient and a sheet of paper, -he said, with a grimace—</p> -<p>“Here it is!”</p> -<p>“Then you have succeeded at last?”</p> -<p>Sophia and Cesare approached with a kind of respect, and saw -through the jar the brownish shavings of the powder which had -already cost so much blood!</p> -<p>“Yes, here it is! This small phial and this piece of -paper again represent the life of a man.”</p> -<p>“You were surprised in the act?”</p> -<p>“Yes. And I have killed again.”</p> -<p>“Who is the victim this time?” exclaimed Sophia, -pale as death.</p> -<p>“Do not alarm yourself, my dear; it is not your -turtledove.”</p> -<p><i>He</i> gave Cesare a glance, which immediately put the -Italian on the alert. His light, careless attitude disappeared, -and a cold, hard look came into his face.</p> -<p>“It was a troublesome fellow I have had on my track for -several days,” continued Hans. “A Government spy. It -was not the first time we had met, either. He almost caught me -three years ago at Lyons, in the affair of the Sergeant-Major. I -took good note of him at the time, and his account is now -settled!”</p> -<p>“But will his murder not be discovered?”</p> -<p>“What then? We must clear off at once; the authorities -never trouble about detectives, that you know very well. This one -will undergo a curing process, with his broken head, in the -river, until he is fished out. Meanwhile, we shall be on the -other side of the frontier.”</p> -<p>Milona entered, carrying a suit of elegant-looking clothes, a -grey felt hat, and yellow shoes. Unceremoniously, Hans dressed -himself.</p> -<p><a name="page266"></a><span class="pagenum">p. -266</span>“The cabman is at the door. Did he see you -enter?” asked Sophia.</p> -<p>“No. I am not such a fool as to show myself to him. It -was very convenient to come along the end of the garden, where -the wall is conveniently low. I am returning the same way, and I -would advise you, my children, to vacate this place as soon as -possible. As you are aware, we are due shortly in Venice. The -first who arrives will wait for the rest. There, I again become -Major Fraser.”</p> -<p>Placing in a leather bag his glass recipient and the folded -paper, he shook hands with Agostini, smiled familiarly to Sophia, -and disappeared as he had come. The Italian gave a kick at -Hans’ cast-off clothes, and said—</p> -<p>“Milo, all this must disappear, my child.”</p> -<p>“In the kitchen fire,” said the Dalmatian, -gravely.</p> -<p>“And you, Sophia, what do you intend to do? You have -heard what our noble friend has just said. In my opinion, the -best thing we can do is to start at once.”</p> -<p>The young woman made no reply. She passed into the salon with -slow, steady steps, as though laboriously seeking the right form -to explain her meaning. Sitting down, she took a cigarette, and, -looking at the handsome Italian standing before her, -said—</p> -<p>“Yes, indeed, I do think you would do well to start off. -There is no reason for you to stay here. As for myself, a sudden -disappearance would excite suspicion; it would, in fact, be a -very tactless thing to do.”</p> -<p>“But will you not be suspected if you remain behind? -Will no action be taken against you?”</p> -<p>“I? Suspected? In what way? Who could suspect me? Have I -done anything whatever calculated to excite mistrust? There has -been no one here except Marcel Baradier; he alone knows -me.”</p> -<p><a name="page267"></a><span class="pagenum">p. -267</span>“But doubtless he gave you the information by the -help of which Hans succeeded in his enterprise.”</p> -<p>“He did certainly give it me, a couple of hours ago. The -execution has been concomitant with the revelation, so to speak. -By what miracle could I, who have not stirred from here, have -informed the one who entered the laboratory, and rid himself of -his spy? This latter will not speak, as he is dead! The -laboratory will be found ransacked and in disorder. Very good! -Have there not taken place to-day, at the works, sufficient -events in which several rascals have been implicated, without -there being any need to charge me with a deed so much more likely -to have been wrought by any of them? If I leave I shall be -suspected. Why have I taken to flight? How is it I have left no -explanation of my departure? What has become of me? Then, -afterwards, what and who am I? Whilst if I remain quietly here -with Milona, Marcel returns, finds me serene and calm, and -everything is safe. Is the arrangement not a good one?”</p> -<p>Cesare smiled, and, in ironical tones, said—</p> -<p>“Very good, indeed; too good, in fact!”</p> -<p>Sophia frowned.</p> -<p>“What do you mean?”</p> -<p>Drawing near her, with subtle grace, and still bent on -adopting gentle means, he said—</p> -<p>“Have you no longer confidence in me, cara? Why are you -trying to deceive me?”</p> -<p>“In what way, may I ask?”</p> -<p>“You are not telling me the truth. This is the first -time you have played me false, Sophia.”</p> -<p>She bit her lips, and turned slightly pale.</p> -<p>“My dear Cesare, do not ask so many questions. Do as I -tell you, as you have always done hitherto. You have never found -it a bad policy, have you? Very well, continue as -before.”</p> -<p><a name="page268"></a><span class="pagenum">p. -268</span>“No!”</p> -<p>This refusal rang out sharp as a lash.</p> -<p>“Ah! Might I be permitted to know the reasons -influencing you?”</p> -<p>“They are the same as yours. You will not come with me -on account of this young Marcel Baradier. But it is on that very -account that I am bent on your accompanying me.”</p> -<p>“Can you be jealous?”</p> -<p>“I am.”</p> -<p>“That is something quite novel; and I must confess I am -greatly surprised!”</p> -<p>“It is diversity of sensations which gives a charm to -life!”</p> -<p>“Then you think—”</p> -<p>“That this fair-complexioned young fellow has pleased -you more than was agreed upon in our programme. Now, though I was -disposed to allow you to practice your wiles on him, in the -interests of business, I no longer feel inclined to permit you to -flirt with him for art’s sake. The play is over, let us -drop the curtain without continuing the love scene in the -green-room.”</p> -<p>“You are a very practical lover, Cesare.”</p> -<p>“Did you not know that before?”</p> -<p>“I have been very generous to you.”</p> -<p>“Many thanks.”</p> -<p>“And now I intend to act as I please, and to-day I -cannot obey you.”</p> -<p>They looked at one another like two wrestlers about to come to -close quarters. Cesare’s eyes sparkled with anger, while -Sophia stood there calm, with lowered eyelids, as though -unwilling to meet his look. The Italian, with an effort, -controlled himself, and speaking with affected gaiety, -said—</p> -<p><a name="page269"></a><span class="pagenum">p. -269</span>“Come, cara, let us not quarrel. We have every -possible reason to be indulgent with one another; have we not -been acquainted so long? Tell me what you have resolved on. I -will do all I can to further your wishes. Is it a week’s -liberty you want? When that length of time has elapsed will you -promise to come to Venice? <i>Mon Dieu</i>! We may well be -complaisant with one another. I will imagine I am nothing more -than the brother of Madame Vignola, and will bear you no -ill-feeling; that I promise. Will that satisfy you?”</p> -<p>She replied with a sigh—</p> -<p>“I do not know.”</p> -<p>“But I must know.”</p> -<p>“How can you be so stupid, Cesare, as to speak to the -Baroness Grodsko as you would to any other woman? One would think -you had forgotten what she is when some fancy takes possession of -her. My poor friend, I am sorry for you; Lichtenbach’s -company must have spoiled you. You must stop seeing him; he has -turned you into a mere bourgeois!”</p> -<p>“You are jesting with me?”</p> -<p>“No!”</p> -<p>“You refuse to promise to come and rejoin me?”</p> -<p>“When I left Zypiatine, was he ever a source of -annoyance to me?”</p> -<p>“Then you confess you wish to leave me?” exclaimed -the Italian, pale with anger.</p> -<p>“You will know later, my friend. At present I have not -the slightest wish to see you again.”</p> -<p>“Ah! Now you are speaking frankly. Do you forget that we -have several secrets in common?”</p> -<p>“No; nor do I forget there is no obligation for you to -remember them.”</p> -<p>“That means?”</p> -<p><a name="page270"></a><span class="pagenum">p. -270</span>Sophia raised her eyelids, and flashed a look on -Agostini which astonished him.</p> -<p>“It means that if for my own safety your disappearance -were necessary, your life would be very cheap.”</p> -<p>“You threaten me with death?”</p> -<p>“Fool! You are well aware that if you breathed a single -word calculated to throw light on our enterprises, there are at -least five persons who would kill you at once.”</p> -<p>“But the affairs of the association are not your -affairs, and you know that I am acquainted with the ones as well -as with the others.”</p> -<p>“Listen, Cesare; people like ourselves ought to be -agreed in everything we do, if we wish to run no risk of ruin. -The slightest discord places us at the mercy of our enemies. We -must serve one another with the greatest self-sacrifice. Every -selfish demand detracts from the force necessary to common -success.”</p> -<p>“Ah! Do you pretend to impose an apathetic indifference -on people who live with an intensity a hundred times greater than -the rest of mankind? You forget that I love you, and I will -submit to no rivalry, Sophia.”</p> -<p>“And how will you compel me to obey your wishes, may I -ask?”</p> -<p>“In the simplest manner imaginable. I will inform Marcel -Baradier of your life before you gave up your whole existence to -international investigations and diplomatic intrigues, and we -shall see if his love for you will survive, for instance, an -account of the incident of Segovia.”</p> -<p>Sophia turned so pale that Cesare was afraid of the impression -he had produced. Grinding her teeth, and stamping about the room -like a wild beast at bay, she seized upon the revolver she had -taken up on the arrival of Hans, and, levelling it at the head of -the Italian, said—</p> -<p><a name="page271"></a><span class="pagenum">p. -271</span>“Ah, you villain; never again shall you betray a -single human being!”</p> -<p>With extraordinary agility, Agostini leapt on to her, dashed -her arm upwards, so that the shot could not reach him, and -pitilessly twisting her beautiful white wrist, he took possession -of the revolver, which he calmly placed in his pocket. Then -looking resolutely at Sophia, he said—</p> -<p>“Now let the dagger have a turn!”</p> -<p>She fell into a chair.</p> -<p>“You dog! To dare to raise your hand against me! You -shall be punished for it.”</p> -<p>“Good! But we cannot lose our time with such nonsense. -Can it be admitted that the man the Countess Grodsko has chosen -as her companion will submit to being fooled like the veriest -ninny? You may hate me if you like, Sophia, but you shall not -despise me! This is the first time we have tested our strength -against one another, and as you see, I have not been found to be -the weaker. Do not recommence the struggle; if you do, I shall -treat you without the slightest gallantry?”</p> -<p>Shaking her head, and looking at her bruised hand, she said, -submissively—</p> -<p>“You have hurt me, Cesare!”</p> -<p>“Whose fault is it? Upon my word, I believe you were -mad, for a moment. You brave me, all for the sake of this young -fop! Do you know I am going to kill him?”</p> -<p>“I forbid you!” said Sophia, emphatically.</p> -<p>“I shall be delighted to obey you,” he said -gallantly. “There is this difference between us, that I am -dominated by respectful attentions towards you, and treat you -like a sovereign, whilst you, by your language and your attitude, -wish to reduce me to the rank of a lackey! Is that -just?”</p> -<p><a name="page272"></a><span class="pagenum">p. 272</span>She -made no reply. He walked to and fro for a short time, then -drawing nearer said—</p> -<p>“Never have I seen you in such a passion before. What in -the world can this young fellow have taught you? For the future I -shall not be able to trust you at all, though hitherto I have had -the most complete confidence in you! Is it possible that just now -you thought of blowing out my brains? Afterwards, what would you -have done with my body? Your Marcel would have arrived. He would -have found the floor stained with blood, and my corpse lying in -the middle of the salon! How would you have explained the matter -to him? You see, Sophia, it was a fit of madness which came over -you. And all for what? Place in the balance these love-dreams of -yours, weigh them against the immense interests in which you have -a part, and decide whether the former weigh down the latter? -Really, women must at times be mad for one like yourself to give -way to such acts of extravagance!”</p> -<p>He gave her a side-long glance as he spoke, but the expression -on her face did not appear to satisfy him, so he -continued—</p> -<p>“We neither have nor can have strength, unless we -support one another. I rely on your beauty, and you ought to be -proud of my skill and courage. Wherever we pass, it is your -<i>rôle</i> to charm and please, and mine to defend you. -Have I ever failed in my duty? When Colonel de Bredmann, last -year in Vienna, spoke of you in a manner you considered -derogatory, did I hesitate to challenge him the following day, -and drive six inches of cold steel through his throat in the -Prater? I must confess that you, with charming generosity, -enabled me to support the run of ill-luck which always overtook -me at the club. Mutual exchange—you, of money; and myself, -of respect. Meanwhile, we carried on our affairs. And with what -success? Do you remember? Was it not better than quarrelling? -Come, <a name="page273"></a><span class="pagenum">p. -273</span>Sophia, don’t look so gloomy; I know your -feelings are bitter, but don’t let them be more bitter than -my own. Diavolo! Wake up and speak. Give me an answer.”</p> -<p>Appearing to shake off the feeling of numbness which had come -over her, she once more looked at her reddened fingers, and said, -with a strange smile—</p> -<p>“Very well! Order, since it is you who are the -master!”</p> -<p>With displeased air, he replied—</p> -<p>“No! Don’t adopt such an attitude! Now you are -acting the part of a resigned victim! You must act according to -your own free will and pleasure. I think I have proved to your -satisfaction that you are turning your back on the right path, -and that it is time to turn round. Am I not right?”</p> -<p>“One is never right when one is the stronger!”</p> -<p>“That is a woman’s reply. Well, Sophia, I am very -sorry, but I will not assume this advantage of imposing on you -any resolution whatever. I leave you free to do as you wish. Stay -or go as you like. For my part, I must go; I do not feel inclined -to let myself be caught in this house like a fox in a -poultry-yard. I will give you ten minutes while you make up your -mind and prepare your luggage. I will smoke a cigarette in the -garden. Decide your future for yourself.”</p> -<p>He left the room. A flash of hate shone in Sophia’s -eyes. She arose, gave a sigh of despair, and then -murmured—</p> -<p>“He is right!”</p> -<p>She called for Milona. The servant appeared.</p> -<p>“The trunk at once. We are leaving,” she said -briefly.</p> -<p>“Good, madame.”</p> -<p>Sophia sat down before a small desk, took up a sheet of -writing-paper edged with black, and wrote—</p> -<blockquote><p><a name="page274"></a><span class="pagenum">p. -274</span>“<span class="smcap">My dear Marcel</span>,</p> -<p>“When you return to the villa I shall no longer be here -to receive you. My brother, to whom I have been denounced by some -person unknown, has arrived in a passion, and is taking me far -away. Never try to see me again. Keep the remembrance of my -kisses ever fresh in your heart. I am carrying off the delicious -flavour of yours on my lips. Good-bye.</p> -<p style="text-align: right">“Yours with life-long -regret,<br /> -“ANETTA.”</p> -</blockquote> -<p>Sealing the envelope, she placed it in full view on the table -of the salon, and, after looking all around, she went out into -the small garden. Cesare was walking to and fro, along the alley, -where she had spent so many hours by Marcel’s side. She -sighed deeply. But her mind was made up, and she was not a woman -to draw back.</p> -<p>“Well?” asked the Italian.</p> -<p>“Well, you have convinced me; I will accompany -you.”</p> -<p>“Very good. Now you are yourself again. It was only a -momentary weakness which came over you.”</p> -<p>“Indeed, I was mad,” she said, mockingly. -“Just think, I was in love with this young -Baradier.”</p> -<p>“That I can well understand,” he conceded -graciously. “He is a charming young fellow. But everything -comes to an end. And since, thanks to this intrigue, you have -obtained the result so ardently followed up by Hans, the only -thing we can now do is to quit. And that is what you are now -doing, with your usual good sense. Just now you surprised me, I -must confess, by your resistance. This is the first time I have -ever seen you sentimental. This fit of idyllic tenderness seemed -quite incomprehensible to me. Now, can you explain to me what has -taken place?”</p> -<p><a name="page275"></a><span class="pagenum">p. -275</span>“Oh! It is very simple. In this young Marcel I -found a love and affection at once simple and disinterested, -quite refreshing. It seemed as though I were in a thirsty desert, -and came upon a limpid spring, at which no one had drunk -previously. I stopped at the edge, looked into the crystal water, -and the reflected image was so different from myself, that I -stood there astonished and delighted. I thought I was about to -find tranquil rest, and a delightful regeneration, and cease -being the Sophia who had gone through so many adventures, to -become a simple harmless woman in the eyes of a love-stricken -swain. Perhaps my mouth would forget its lying, and my eyes their -deceit and fascination! What a dream! And how near realization! -What unexpected happiness, ruined in a moment by your -reappearance. Ah! I have cursed you, Cesare, and Hans as well! -But what can I do, how can I tear myself away from my destiny? It -was the height of madness for me to think that a sincere love -could unfold in my heart, as though a wild floweret of the open -fields could spring up in a marsh! Come, let us think no more of -all this. Society shall pay the price of my -disillusion!”</p> -<p>“Now you are speaking sensibly. But all you have been -telling me is most deplorably romantic. To think of your settling -down in a village like the Dame aux Camelias to live on new-laid -eggs with Armand Duval! How ridiculous! Ah! Here is Milona with -your hat and cloak.”</p> -<p>“Ask the coachman to mount the luggage.”</p> -<p>Sophia, apparently impassive, watched her trunk and bags -change position. As Cesare stood at the garden-gate calling her, -she looked around for the last time, raised her hands to her -lips, and to all she associated with Marcel—green trees, -forms on which they had sat, birds that had sung above their -heads, sky which had shone on their happiness—she sent a -rapid kiss.</p> -<p><a name="page276"></a><span class="pagenum">p. -276</span>“Are you ready?” asked the Italian.</p> -<p>“Here I am.”</p> -<p>“We will not leave by Ars, the town is in too great a -commotion. This worthy coachman will drive us to Saint-Savine, -where we will take the express for Paris.”</p> -<p>“As you like.”</p> -<p>“Come along, then, quick!”</p> -<p>She mounted the open carriage. Milona took up a position -opposite her mistress. A lash of the whip, a sound of bells, and -at the turn of the road everything was out of view.</p> -<p>It was four o’clock when Uncle Graff, after arranging -for the search for Laforêt, and giving orders for the -management of the works, in short arranging for whatever was -absolutely pressing, came for his nephew to go with him to the -Villa de la Cavée. Baudoin, with a trusty revolver in his -pocket, went on in front as a scout. Marcel and his uncle -followed, a hundred yards behind. The excitement of the struggle -and danger was now past, and they were beginning to examine the -position more coolly.</p> -<p>It was not a brilliant one. The boldness and violence of their -enemies had been manifested with too few precautions, for the -utmost excesses were to be dreaded at their hands in case the -struggle were continued. Now, at this moment, they appeared to be -on the point of triumph. They had just obtained possession of the -scientific treasure, the commercial application of which would -assure them an enormous fortune. How exultant they must feel, -accordingly! But then, on the other hand, how disconcerted they -would be on attempting to utilize the stolen formula! As Marcel -had said, to obtain the explosive in its full power, and with its -special destructive qualities, a particular manipulation, a twist -of the hand, so to speak, discovered by General de -Trémont, was necessary. They might try to apply the <a -name="page277"></a><span class="pagenum">p. 277</span>formula; -but if they did not know how to handle the different doses, their -hopes would fail of realization. Now the thief-assassin, who had -found his way into the laboratory, had carried off the precious -document, but would it not remain utterly worthless, like the -golden crown in the legend, which changed into a dry leaf?</p> -<p>Uncle Graff was meditating on all this as he walked by -Marcel’s side. He said nothing to the young man. What was -the use? It was also certain that the villains, bent as they were -on obtaining the secret, had already killed two men and set fire -to the works to accomplish their object. Granting that they had -once more failed, would they not recommence the struggle, and -purchase victory at the cost of no matter what sacrifices? Under -these conditions there was no drawing back; they must risk much -to try and check an offensive return, and not hesitate in case -the unknown beauty were an accomplice in the crimes already -committed; it must be their object to keep her in view, question -her, and if need be, deliver her into the hands of justice in -order to try and throw light on this dark and dangerous -affair.</p> -<p>They reached the wood, and, the house being no more than a -hundred yards distant, Baudoin, who had waited for them, -said—</p> -<p>“I will go all round the garden, and bear off in the -direction of the wood, so that, if any one tries to escape, I may -be able to cut off his retreat.”</p> -<p>“No,” said Marcel. “Let us remain -together.”</p> -<p>Just at that moment an old woman appeared before them, -dragging a faggot of decayed wood.</p> -<p>She smiled with her toothless mouth, and, stopping to take -breath, said—</p> -<p>“Is it the young lady of the villa you want to see? If -so—”</p> -<p><a name="page278"></a><span class="pagenum">p. -278</span>“Well?” said Marcel.</p> -<p>“You will not find her here. An hour ago she went away -in a cab with all her luggage, in the direction of Sainte-Savine. -Cacheu, of the Lion d’Or, drove the cab himself.”</p> -<p>“Gone?” exclaimed Marcel, stupefied.</p> -<p>“So it seems,” said Uncle Graff. “The -<i>coup</i> is effected.”</p> -<p>“Impossible!”</p> -<p>“Poor young man! His walks with the young lady were very -agreeable,” muttered the old woman.</p> -<p>She shook her head, encircled with a kerchief, accepted the -two-franc piece Uncle Graff slipped into her hand, and walked -slowly away, in the direction of the town, dragging her faggot -along the road.</p> -<p>Marcel had already entered the villa. On the threshold his -heart seemed almost to stop beating. The door remained open, as -though, in the hurry of flight, they had not had time to close -it, or rather, as though she had left nothing behind worth -keeping. Crossing the garden, he entered the hall, and -called—</p> -<p>“Milona! Anetta!”</p> -<p>No reply came; nothing but silence and darkness. Entering the -salon, he saw a letter lying on the table. Tearing it open, he -rapidly ran over the contents, sat down to read it once more, -finally understood it, and sat there, with bowed head and -throbbing brow, as though in the presence of a terrible disaster. -There Uncle Graff found him. He had gone over the whole house, -and acquired the certainty that it was abandoned. Baudoin was -seated in the garden. Seeing his nephew’s anguish and the -pallor of his countenance, the old man’s heart melted; he -placed his hand affectionately on the young man’s head, -softly stroked his hair, and seeing the letter pressed between -his passive fingers, asked—</p> -<p><a name="page279"></a><span class="pagenum">p. -279</span>“Has she written to you?”</p> -<p>At these words, simple though they were, his fugitive love -seemed almost reinstated in his eyes, as he felt that she had not -forgotten him, and Marcel burst into sobs as he silently held out -the paper and hid his face in his hands. Uncle Graff drew near -the window and read the letter, after which he stood there in a -reverie. Marcel, regaining possession of himself to defend the -one he loved, finally rose from his seat, and said in -supplicating accents—</p> -<p>“Uncle Graff, is this the letter of a woman who lies? Do -not her protests appear sincere to you? Has she the faintest -complicity in the crimes committed? Do you accuse her of having -deceived me? Is she not rather a victim undergoing a rigorous -tyranny at the hands of the very monsters who threaten us? This -letter, Uncle Graff, this letter—does it not breathe -despair in every line? Is it not a confirmation of her love for -me?”</p> -<p>“The letter appears to be sincere,” said the old -man, calmly. “I cannot but recognize that grief is evident -in every word, and that the one who wrote it was evidently acting -under compulsion when she left the house. That is a proof that -she loves you, and regrets your absence. But is that a proof that -she is not guilty, and the accomplice of the rest?”</p> -<p>“Oh, Uncle Graff, do you think it possible?”</p> -<p>“I do, and I am afraid it is so, my dear Marcel, and -that would be more serious than anything else, for, if this woman -loves you—and how could she help loving you, my dear child, -once she knows you—ah, if this woman loves you, my anxiety -will become greater than ever. For she might try to see you -again, and then—”</p> -<p>A light of hope illumined Marcel’s face.</p> -<p>“Ah, if only that could be!”</p> -<p>“Marcel, you see what grounds I had for fear. At the <a -name="page280"></a><span class="pagenum">p. 280</span>very -thought of seeing her again you at once become radiant with joy. -And yet she is a rascal, there is not the slightest doubt of it. -I will not dispute her charms, since she has obtained such -control over you; but she is very dangerous all the same, for, in -short, suppose she were the woman of Vanves?”</p> -<p>“Impossible!”</p> -<p>“Do not say impossible. You know nothing about it. These -women, you see, are terrible creatures. In matters like the one -now engaging our attention they are a kind of female Proteus, -capable of assuming all forms, even the most diverse and -disconcerting, to deceive their enemies and allay suspicion. -Cosmopolitan adventuresses, living on human folly; spies, on the -track of State secrets; corruptresses, sufficiently fascinating -to obtain the mastery over all consciences. You are aware that -these women are insinuating and of plausible manners, generally -very beautiful. And this one—”</p> -<p>“Oh! No, no!”</p> -<p>Uncle Graff insisted authoritatively.</p> -<p>“This one, very clever and dangerous, more dangerous -than the rest, even, has played her <i>rôle</i> with you, -whilst satisfying her caprice at the same time. Come, Marcel, be -reasonable; do not blind yourself. Why was the man of Vanves -concealed here? Why have the powders been removed from the -laboratory, and why is the house deserted, now that the burglary -is accomplished? It is not a mere departure, it is a flight. -Consider the rapidity and suddenness of the resolution reached. -This morning only she had no thought of it, or, rather, in that -case she deceived you, since she said nothing about it, and was -to receive you to-night. Crime and duplicity are manifest -everywhere. You have been deceived by words of tenderness, whilst -the others, her accomplices, were stealing and -murdering.”</p> -<p><a name="page281"></a><span class="pagenum">p. -281</span>Marcel gave a movement expressive of anger.</p> -<p>“If only I had the proof of this!”</p> -<p>Uncle Graff looked at him fixedly.</p> -<p>“Well, what would you do?”</p> -<p>“Ah! I would have my revenge, that I swear! All my love -would turn into hate. If my heart has been deceived with lying -words, I would tear it out of my breast, rather than cherish a -poisoned love! If that woman was not a victim, she would be a -monster. And, by what I hold most sacred in existence, I would -punish her!”</p> -<p>The old man looked at his nephew with considerable -satisfaction.</p> -<p>“Oh! <i>Mon Dieu</i>! We don’t ask you to do that! -Simply forget her. Above all, make up your mind not to fall into -her toils again, if ever you meet her.”</p> -<p>At that moment the door opened, and Baudoin appeared. Holding -a book in his hand, he approached mysteriously, and -said—</p> -<p>“It is useful to make a thorough search. One can never -examine too well.”</p> -<p>He laughed as he spoke and held the book aloft—</p> -<p>“Had I done nothing but cast a careless glance over the -lady’s bed-chamber, I should not have found -this.”</p> -<p>“What is it?” asked Graff.</p> -<p>“A book—a simple book.”</p> -<p>Marcel took it up, looked at the title, and said—</p> -<p>“Yes, it is a book she has been reading -lately.”</p> -<p>“Oh! the book in itself signifies nothing,” said -Baudoin. “It had fallen down by the side of the bed nearest -the wall. In a hurry of departure she did not see it, and it was -left there. But there was something between these -leaves.”</p> -<p>Baudoin took between his fingers a piece of paper, and showed -it to his masters.</p> -<p><a name="page282"></a><span class="pagenum">p. -282</span>“This envelope, torn in two, and folded to serve -as a book-mark. To whom does it belong, if not to the one who has -been making use of it? Now on the folded part, there is a line of -writing and an address.”</p> -<p>“An address?”</p> -<p>“Look!”</p> -<p>He handed the paper to Marcel, and on the small band, -concealed by the folding, the young man read aloud the name: -“Madame la Baronne Grodsko.” The bottom of the -envelope, on which was doubtless written the street, number and -town, had disappeared. On the top, however, a large stamp -contained the postmark: “Wien, April 18.”</p> -<p>The rest was effaced.</p> -<p>“Baroness Grodsko,” repeated Marcel. “But -her name was Anetta Vignola.”</p> -<p>“Ah!” said Uncle Graff; “these women change -their names as easily as their dresses. She has only kept this -envelope from the most incredible and imprudent carelessness. And -how is it this letter, which came from Vienna a fortnight ago, is -now here? It must have been forwarded under another envelope to -the name and address she assumed here!”</p> -<p>Baudoin then remarked—</p> -<p>“Perhaps I may be permitted to state that the woman who -called on my master on the night of the crime was addressed by -him as Baronne—”</p> -<p>Marcel turned pale.</p> -<p>“True,” he murmured, in a low tone. “But -what relation is there between Anetta Vignola and the Baroness -Grodsko?”</p> -<p>“That is what we must discover, for it is the clue which -may guide us through the darkness in which we are now groping. -Courage, my child; if this woman is the same who has committed -such infamous actions—”</p> -<p><a name="page283"></a><span class="pagenum">p. -283</span>“Ah! Uncle Graff, in that case I should feel no -pity whatever for her.”</p> -<p>The uncle shook his nephew’s hand, in sympathetic -approval.</p> -<p>“Now, there is nothing more for us to do here. The house -has delivered up to us part of its secret. The rest we must seek -elsewhere.”</p> -<p>The three men went out into the garden, after carefully -closing the doors, and slowly returned to Ars.</p> -<h3><a name="page284"></a><span class="pagenum">p. -284</span>CHAPTER II</h3> -<p><span class="smcap">Lichtenbach</span> was sitting in his -study, listening to young Vernot, his broker, who was speaking -with the utmost volubility.</p> -<p>“Baradier and Graff will not long be able to maintain -their position on the Explosives now. It has already been -remarked at the Bourse that they have not reduced their stock. -The coming liquidation will be a decisive one; or else they will -remain firm; then what a bankruptcy it will be! Or they may sell -everything. What a fall that will mean!”</p> -<p>A faint smile came over the banker’s lips.</p> -<p>“I should like to see that!”</p> -<p>“<i>Man Dieu</i>! My dear master, I cannot conceal from -you the fact that, in business circles they say it is a duel -between the firm of Baradier and Graff and the firm of -Lichtenbach. One of the two will go under.”</p> -<p>“I know it; but I have no fear.”</p> -<p>“I have negotiated this affair for you, so I know our -mode of action. Hitherto it has been an admirable one. To sum up -in a word, you have sold what the Baradiers have -bought.”</p> -<p>“Yes, my friend, and I have their money, as they have my -vouchers. Now, Vernot, be wideawake as to what is about to -happen. The explosives, which are now at their highest price, -will rapidly fall to the very lowest.”</p> -<p><a name="page285"></a><span class="pagenum">p. -285</span>“Are you sure?”</p> -<p>“Absolutely certain.”</p> -<p>“Why?”</p> -<p>“Because a rival company is being formed, which is in -possession of the patents of a product destined to replace, -within a very short time, all the mining powders and other -dynamites hitherto employed, and which will cost fifty per cent. -less in commerce. What do you say to that?”</p> -<p>“It will be a crushing blow!”</p> -<p>“You are right. Read my journal to-night; it will -contain the first article of a series destined to set forth -before the world this new discovery. In two months from now I -wish to see Baradier and Graff bankrupt!”</p> -<p>“Oh, they have a long purse to draw on,”</p> -<p>“We shall see about that.”</p> -<p>“So now you engage me to sell?”</p> -<p>“From to-morrow sell as fast as you can. There will be a -gain of five hundred francs per share. You will see the movement -begin. All my personal orders will be executed on foreign -Exchanges. Profit by this opportunity.”</p> -<p>“I shall not be likely to forget.”</p> -<p>“Now go. My daughter is expecting me, and I am punctual -in my habits.”</p> -<p>“My dear master, many thanks, and my respectful -compliments.”</p> -<p>The stockbroker left the room. Lichtenbach did not even rise -from his seat to accompany him to the door. He was thinking. From -Venice a letter had reached him which, on the one hand, caused -him great satisfaction, and, on the other, brought him a certain -amount of uneasiness. Sophia Grodsko had written to him: -“The war powder is a triumphant success. Experiments made -at Spezzia and Trieste have given prodigious results with marine -cannons. <a name="page286"></a><span class="pagenum">p. -286</span>Plates of Siemens steel a foot thick are pierced like -sheets of paper. We have received two million francs, the rest -will come afterwards. The affair is big with magnificent results. -Things are not progressing so well with the commerce powder. Hans -has been at work for the last fortnight at Swalbach with Prunier, -from Zurich. He has been disappointed. All the attempts have been -unsatisfactory. They have manipulated the product in different -manners, but no result has been obtained. The explosive is worth -no more than dynamite. True it is not so dear, but we are far -from what we hoped, and from what must actually be the case. -There must be some secret or other in the fabrication of the -powder unknown to us. Hans is trying to find it, and has not -abandoned all hopes of doing so. But, up to the present, fiasco. -Don’t be discouraged, but thank me for telling you the -exact truth. Agostini sends you his best wishes, and informs you -that you will shortly receive your brevet of baron.”</p> -<p>Lichtenbach growled.</p> -<p>“Baron! That will be of some use to me, indeed, if this -affair fails.”</p> -<p>Rising, he gave a gesture of defiance.</p> -<p>“It will not fail! Hans is a skilful chemist. He will -find out the secret. Besides, if need be I will retrace my steps. -They will not catch me so easily, altogether -unprepared.”</p> -<p>He smiled. His daughter entered the room. She was no longer -the little schoolgirl, dressed in the blue convent robe, but an -elegant and graceful Parisienne. The banker looked at her with -considerable satisfaction.</p> -<p>“Are you ready?”</p> -<p>“Yes, father. It was agreed we should start at four -o’clock.”</p> -<p>“And where are you taking me?”</p> -<p><a name="page287"></a><span class="pagenum">p. -287</span>“To the Charity Bazaar in favour of the -Alsace-Lorraine orphans. You must come.”</p> -<p>“I might have sent a cheque.”</p> -<p>“But I must be there. Madame Sainte-Alix has charge of a -stall, along with several of my old school companions. I promised -to be there.”</p> -<p>“Well, let us start.”</p> -<p>They set off. The sale took place in the Agricultural Hall of -France. All over the walls hung groups of flags, whilst above a -verdant groove stood a marble bust representing Alsace, with a -mourning sash flung across the breast. The wife of a Deputy from -the Vosges, surrounded by a group of ladies belonging to official -circles, performed the honours. A large double sofa occupied the -middle of the room, between two rows of stalls, in which the most -aristocratic families of Alsace and Lorraine were represented by -white haired grandmothers who had never been willing to -acknowledge the conquest of these two lost provinces, and elegant -young ladies, smiling and careless, educated or born in exile, -and finding France beautiful, and life pleasant, even though it -were passed far from their native soil.</p> -<p>Lichtenbach and Marianne were warmly received immediately they -entered the room. Here the financier’s prestige and the -influence of the journal proprietor could be exercised in -uninterrupted sovereignty. Nothing but smiles on every side. The -more republican one’s opinions, the more unctuous was the -respect lavished on Lichtenbach, the reactionary. Marianne, timid -and anxious, was looking for the stall presided over by Madame -Sainte-Alix.</p> -<p>A young attendant, anxious to serve so rich an heiress, placed -himself under the young girl’s orders, and Marianne passed -through the crowd of buyers and sellers until she reached the -stall where her old companions were selling children’s -clothing at five times its real value, and that <a -name="page288"></a><span class="pagenum">p. 288</span>without the -slightest difficulty. Geneviève de Trémont, dressed -in mourning, presided over the hosiery department. After -exchanging a friendly greeting she asked—</p> -<p>“Are you all alone?”</p> -<p>“Oh no. My father has stayed behind for a moment to -speak to the wife of a Senator.”</p> -<p>“He is going to leave you here for some time?”</p> -<p>“I do not know. Perhaps it would not be convenient for -him to return for me.”</p> -<p>Turning towards the nun presiding at the cash-box, she -said—</p> -<p>“Are you pleased with the result of your sales, -madame?”</p> -<p>“We have made three thousand francs since noon, my -child. But it will soon be five o’clock. In an hour -everything will be over. We have still a third of our stock -left.”</p> -<p>“Very well. Send me everything you have not sold -to-night,” said the young girl, simply.</p> -<p>“Ah, my child, how grateful I feel to you. But what will -your father think?”</p> -<p>Mademoiselle Lichtenbach smiled calmly.</p> -<p>“My father? He never opposes my wishes. Besides, I am -rich.”</p> -<p>She exhibited a purse full of gold.</p> -<p>“And, if that is not sufficient, papa will make me an -advance.”</p> -<p>“Ha, look in front!” said Geneviève de -Trémont. “There is Amélie at the stall of -Madame Baradier.”</p> -<p>Marianne blushed. She remembered what her father had said -regarding their quarrels with the Baradiers and Graffs, and felt -considerably embarrassed in consequence. What kind of relations -could be set up between these hostile families? Suddenly the -smiling face of Marcel Baradier <a name="page289"></a><span -class="pagenum">p. 289</span>awoke in her memory. The hostility -of the parents could not bind the children, since he had so -graciously received Lichtenbach’s daughter when she had -called at the Rue de Provènce. Turning her eyes in the -direction of Geneviève, she recognized the one of whom she -was thinking, near the counter where Madame Baradier and -Amélie were selling. He smiled as he talked to an old man -who was purchasing a porcelain vase of a very ugly pattern. After -the bargain was struck he took it from his hands, placed it gaily -back again on to the stall, and said, in tones sufficiently loud -to be heard by Marianne—</p> -<p>“This is the third time, Uncle Graff, that we have sold -it, and it has been left behind. People don’t object to -paying for it, but it is so frightful that no one will decide to -carry it off.”</p> -<p>The old man put back his purse into his pocket and -said—</p> -<p>“Now, where is the stall of Mademoiselle de -Trémont?”</p> -<p>“We will go there together. The very thing you want, -uncle. <i>Trousseau</i> and baby linen. Indispensable for -bachelors!”</p> -<p>“You rogue!”</p> -<p>They crossed the room. Suddenly Marcel became very grave; he -had recognized Mademoiselle Lichtenbach. She, too, had seen him -approach, and, trembling, had not had the courage to look him in -the face. Uncle Graff, with his usual good nature, -said—</p> -<p>“Well, Mademoiselle Geneviève, what are you going -to sell me? Children’s hoods? How much a dozen?”</p> -<p>“Sixty francs, as it is you, Monsieur Graff. And you can -leave them with us if you like.”</p> -<p>“Certainly. It would be too much trouble to carry them -all off.”</p> -<p>“What you leave us we will give to the Sainte-Enfance <a -name="page290"></a><span class="pagenum">p. -290</span>institution. After you have finished, if there is -anything which remains one of our friends has promised to buy it -up.”</p> -<p>“Who is she?”</p> -<p>“Mademoiselle Marianne Lichtenbach.”</p> -<p>Graff started. His face changed expression, and he -said—</p> -<p>“The daughter of—”</p> -<p>As he took a step backwards he heard a gentle voice -say—</p> -<p>“On the ground of charity there are no enemies, only -competitors as to who shall do the most good.”</p> -<p>“You are quite right, mademoiselle,” replied the -old man, with a bow. “And I will immediately put your -precept into practice.”</p> -<p>Leaning towards the nun, he asked calmly—</p> -<p>“How much for the contents of the stall?”</p> -<p>“My dear sir,” stammered Madame Sainte-Alix, -astonished.</p> -<p>“Is two thousand francs enough?”</p> -<p>“Oh, that’s nothing! I will give four -thousand!”</p> -<p>And Count Cesare Agostini, smiling and elegant, appeared by -the side of Mademoiselle Lichtenbach.</p> -<p>“Our father has sent me to you, mademoiselle,” he -said, with a bow. “He will be here in a moment, and, -really, he would not have tolerated that <i>any</i> one should -rob you of the honour of your generosity at so moderate a -price.”</p> -<p>Glancing around at those present, and recognizing Marcel he -affected a joyful surprise.</p> -<p>“Ah! Monsieur Baradier! I am delighted to meet you. We -have had a great deal of trouble since last I saw you. I heard -all about it on my return to call for my sister. I greatly -regretted not being able to stay and tell you how sorry we felt -for you. You were so kind and gracious to us in that quiet -country place.”</p> -<p><a name="page291"></a><span class="pagenum">p. 291</span>He -spoke without the slightest hesitation, and with a boldness which -stupefied Marcel. As he looked at Agostini he wondered whether he -were not dreaming—whether this calm, phlegmatic person -speaking to him at this charity bazaar in the heart of Paris, -without even thinking of escape, was indeed the man he suspected -of having mystified him at Ars, of being, doubtless, the -accomplice of murderers and incendiaries; at the very least in -collusion with this enigmatical woman whose memory still filled -his heart. He listened with astonishment, and replied—</p> -<p>“And your sister, Madame Vignola?”</p> -<p>“Ah! Poor Anetta!” interrupted Cesare. “She -is at Venice, engaged in troublesome family affairs. But she will -probably come to Paris this summer to assist at my -marriage.”</p> -<p>“Ah! You are about to be married, Count?”</p> -<p>“Yes, M. Lichtenbach has given his consent at -last.”</p> -<p>This news of the marriage of Agostini into the Lichtenbach -family produced an electric effect. Marcel immediately regained -full possession of his faculties.</p> -<p>Looking at the Italian from head to foot, he said -ironically—</p> -<p>“Ah! you are about to enter the family of M. -Lichtenbach. It was to be, and it would have been a pity could it -not have taken place!”</p> -<p>“I do not understand very well,” replied -Cesare.</p> -<p>“Yes, you understand perfectly. And if you wish further -information ask for it from your sister.”</p> -<p>“These are strange words,” said the Italian, -arrogantly.</p> -<p>“Every one does as well as he can; all men have not the -privilege of being strange in their actions.”</p> -<p>Agostini was about to reply, and the two men stood -threateningly in front of one another, when a hand was laid <a -name="page292"></a><span class="pagenum">p. 292</span>on the -Italian’s arm, and the voice of Mademoiselle Lichtenbach -was heard saying—</p> -<p>“Monsieur le Comte, will you come this way, please? My -father is looking for you.”</p> -<p>Cesare gave Marcel a defiant glance. Then, turning with -flattering humility to the young girl, he said—</p> -<p>“Your slightest wish shall be obeyed, mademoiselle. But -I shall see this gentleman again, and—”</p> -<p>“I forbid you!”</p> -<p>“Very good.”</p> -<p>Lichtenbach came up to them. He passed in front of Graff, -without appearing to see him.</p> -<p>“What is this they are telling me, Count?” he -said, addressing Agostini. “You have been bidding up to -four thousand francs for the contents of this stall? What a -trifling sum! You must have had some very sorry competitors -against you!”</p> -<p>An expression of disdain came over his face as he looked round -on Marcel and Uncle Graff.</p> -<p>“Formerly my opponents were more tenacious. The struggle -for gold has considerably cooled them down.”</p> -<p>Turning towards the nun he wrote a few lines on a piece of -paper, saying—</p> -<p>“Here, madame, is a cheque for ten thousand -francs.”</p> -<p>“What shall I give you in return?” asked Madame -Sainte-Alix, stupefied.</p> -<p>“Your prayers,” said Elias, humbly.</p> -<p>A group had formed round the stall, and a murmur of approving -admiration reached the ears of Lichtenbach. Agostini exclaimed, -with emphasis—</p> -<p>“This is a magnificent gift!”</p> -<p>“Come along, my daughter,” said Elias.</p> -<p>Marianne kissed Geneviève de Trémont, and, -lowering her head, so as not to see Marcel, followed her father -and <a name="page293"></a><span class="pagenum">p. -293</span>Agostini. As she passed in front of Graff she heard him -say—</p> -<p>“Ten thousand francs’ worth of prayers! At a franc -per villainous trick he has committed he loses -nothing!”</p> -<p>The old man had not time to further exhibit his bad temper, -for Marcel interrupted him—</p> -<p>“Not so loud, Uncle Graff; his daughter might hear you. -Poor child; it is not her fault!”</p> -<p>Marianne felt sad at heart, and, more afflicted at the -nephew’s humiliating indulgence towards herself than at his -uncle’s scorn for her father, she left the room.</p> -<p>Since his return to Paris, Marcel had been restored to the -good graces of M. Baradier. Graff’s story of the -conflagration at the works, and the rescue effected by his -nephew, had touched the old man’s heart. The danger -incurred by his brother-in-law, Cardez, and Baudoin, had made him -quiver with anxiety; the intervention of his son at the critical -moment, when even the bravest among the workmen drew back from -the danger, had aroused his enthusiasm. He had taken Marcel in -his arms, and said to Madame Baradier and Amélie, who were -sitting there in tears—</p> -<p>“You seem quite astonished. Did you think this child, on -account of a few silly escapades, was not a fine and brave -fellow, after all? For my part I was sure, if the opportunity -occurred, he would act as nobly as he has done! It is because I -knew what he was capable of that I treated him harshly when he -went astray. But, after all, he is a Baradier!”</p> -<p>The same evening, alone with his wife, he said—</p> -<p>“Indeed, I am very well pleased with Marcel. Graff has -told me things concerning him which have touched me very much. I -am beginning to hope that, once the passion and giddiness of -youth is over, he will turn out a remarkable man. All he lacks is -a certain amount of order. But that <a name="page294"></a><span -class="pagenum">p. 294</span>will come in time. He is both -intelligent and warm-hearted. Now, it is time he thought of -marrying.”</p> -<p>“He is only twenty-five years of age.”</p> -<p>“The very best age imaginable. One’s happiness in -life is assured when one finds a good partner and marries young, -as I did. What kind of attitude does he show with regard to -Geneviève?”</p> -<p>“He treats her like a sister, neither more nor -less.”</p> -<p>“Not the slightest sign of flirtation?”</p> -<p>“I believe she has a faint liking for him, but I know -nothing about his feelings for her.”</p> -<p>“Ask Amélie a few discreet questions.”</p> -<p>“I will think of it.”</p> -<p>Marcel’s mind was occupied with things entirely -different. He thought of everything except marriage. His return -home appeared very pleasant, for he was very fond of his parents. -Perhaps the exile’s son, more than another, possessed a -liking for home. He had so often heard his father and uncle -regret the old home at Metz, their friends and customs of former -times, that the bonds which attached him to his father’s -house were very strong, and when away from them all something -essential seemed to be lacking in his life. Doubtless this -something was his father’s affectionate chiding and his -mother’s consoling smile.</p> -<p>Since his return he spent almost the whole of his time out of -the office; went out very little at nights, and worked away at a -task known to no one except Uncle Graff. M. Baradier, greatly -troubled at the turn of events the Explosives had taken, -expressed his anxiety to no one but his partner. Uncle Graff, -however, calmly replied—</p> -<p>“We must keep wide-awake, but we need not exaggerate the -danger. Everything will come out right in the end, that I am sure -of.”</p> -<p>“Eh! Do you expect a miracle?” murmured Baradier. -<a name="page295"></a><span class="pagenum">p. -295</span>“These Explosives shares continue to go down, in -spite of all our efforts. Yesterday there was a rumour out on the -Bourse that a patent had just been taken, in Germany, England, -and France, by an Englishman named Dalgetty, for some marvellous -powder or other superior to dynamite. They go so far as to state -that this substance is so manageable and harmless, in spite of -its destructive power, that they expect to make use of it for -engine power. That would mean the suppression of steam, gas and -petroleum. A complete revolution. If a quarter of all this is -true we are ruined! Doubtless it is an application of -Trémont’s formulæ, and Dalgetty is the dummy -of the villains who stole them.”</p> -<p>“Possibly,” murmured Graff, calmly.</p> -<p>“And you can find nothing else to say?” exclaimed -Baradier, furiously. “You resign yourself to all this -robbery and murder?”</p> -<p>“No; I am simply waiting for the Dalgetty powder in use. -It may be the Trémont explosive, but then, on the other -hand, it may be something entirely different, and in that case -worth nothing at all.”</p> -<p>“But suppose we are ruined in the meantime?”</p> -<p>“We shall obtain the upper hand in the long -run.”</p> -<p>“But it is this villain of a Lichtenbach who is leading -the campaign against us. This is what I am informed from both -London and Brussels.”</p> -<p>“Give him his head. The farther he goes the greater will -be his fall.”</p> -<p>“I should like to know the cause of your -confidence.”</p> -<p>“It is Marcel, your son, who is stronger in himself, -than Trémont, yourself, myself, and all the others. You -will see.”</p> -<p>“But, after all, cannot you tell me?”</p> -<p>“No, I will say nothing. Let Dalgetty go ahead, and <a -name="page296"></a><span class="pagenum">p. 296</span>the shares -continue to lower. Above all else, do not sell. He laughs best -who laughs last.”</p> -<p>The calm assurance of Uncle Graff had its due impression on -Baradier at the time. But afterwards, in his study, in front of -his correspondence, which brought him nothing but bad news, fear -again took possession of him. He was aware that Marcel was -working hard. He saw him start every morning for the laboratory -of the Arts-et-Métiers. But what was he engaged in? -Doubtless some improvement of the Trémont powder; perhaps -simply the exact doses of the products. How could he prove, after -all, that he knew the dosing, which was the General’s -invention? And Baradier, red and excited, would take up his hat -and go out for a walk, to avoid a congestion.</p> -<p>At night, when they were dining, he again saw Marcel in the -salon, seated between his mother and sister, or playing the piano -with Geneviève de Trémont. He was an excellent -musician, this son on whom Nature had lavished such gifts. And -Uncle Graff, a passionate melomaniac, lay stretched out in an -armchair, listening, in delighted ecstasy, to some <i>lied</i> of -Schubert or a concerto by Schumann. He pointed out to Baradier, -who had entered the room on tip-toe, the charming picture of -these two young people playing duets together, and -murmured—</p> -<p>“What a fine couple. She is dark; he is fair. Perfect -match. And as their fortune—the General’s -powder.”</p> -<p>“Nothing but smoke!” growled Baradier.</p> -<p>“No, it does not give any,” laughed Uncle -Graff.</p> -<p>In his partner’s feeling of security, though he was -mistrustful enough in business matters, there was a kind of -unconsciousness which astonished Baradier. Evidently Marcel was -preparing something extraordinary, which Graff was well aware of -and which promised to have extraordinary results. But what was -it? Besides, with rascals who went <a name="page297"></a><span -class="pagenum">p. 297</span>about everywhere carrying into -action their murderous plans, under the indulgent regard of the -Government, was one sure of anything? Accordingly he fumed and -raged, but that in itself was something, and kept him -occupied.</p> -<p>Baudoin, on his part, had not remained inactive. His first -visit had been to Colonel Vallenot. He had found him at the War -Office, busily engaged on a question the Minister was to receive -from a socialist Deputy, who complained that anarchist journals -were not permitted in barracks. How could the people be educated -if the soldier were refused the right of knowing why it was his -duty to despise his superiors? The good Colonel had bristled up -like a wild boar. Only the night before he had been abused by his -superior, who, greatly worried, himself, had passed on his -ill-temper to the other, and so it descended from grade to grade -right down to the concierge. The latter had given a drubbing to -his dog, which had been at a loss to understand the reason for -this treatment. It was the only difference between the animal and -the functionaries.</p> -<p>“What is it you want?” growled Colonel Vallenot to -Baudoin, as he saluted. “To see the Minister? Well, you are -lucky. If you go in there I will not guarantee your safe exit. -And, then, what is it you want to tell him? That the agent he had -placed at your disposal has disappeared? It is now three weeks -since we heard from him.”</p> -<p>“I have brought you news of him.”</p> -<p>“Ah! What is the matter?”</p> -<p>“He is dead.”</p> -<p>“The deuce! How did that happen!”</p> -<p>“He has been killed.”</p> -<p>“Who has killed him?”</p> -<p>“The same who killed General de -Trémont.”</p> -<p>“What was his object?”</p> -<p><a name="page298"></a><span class="pagenum">p. -298</span>“The same as before—to obtain possession of -my master’s secrets.”</p> -<p>“Was he successful?”</p> -<p>“Yes.”</p> -<p>“So now he is in possession of the powder -formula?”</p> -<p>“He is.”</p> -<p>“Well, this is a fine business. We suspected something -of the kind, for we have received notice from abroad that -experiments have been made with smokeless powder of extraordinary -power.”</p> -<p>“That is the one.”</p> -<p>Colonel Vallenot had forgotten all about the Deputy’s -question. He pulled and twisted his moustache furiously. Finally -he asked—</p> -<p>“When was poor Laforêt murdered?”</p> -<p>“Nearly a fortnight ago. But it was only later that we -had the proof of his death. The poor fellow had been flung into -the river, and the current had carried him into a millrace. He -remained several days fastened to some piles under water, and it -is only just recently that his body mounted to the surface. It -was taken out, recognized, and buried as was fitting for an old -soldier and an honest man. Now he is lying under the green turf -of the cemetery of Ars.”</p> -<p>“And his murderers?”</p> -<p>“Ah, that is what I have come to speak to the Minister -about. I know the villains.”</p> -<p>Vallenot sat upright.</p> -<p>“Those spies! You know who they are?”</p> -<p>“And you, also, Colonel, without doubt, for this is not -their first attempt. The Minister, before now, has had a crow to -pick with them. They are professionals in treason!”</p> -<p>The Colonel rose, and, with changed expression, -said—</p> -<p><a name="page299"></a><span class="pagenum">p. -299</span>“Ah! Here, at any rate, is something which will -distract him! I will risk entering his room without being -summoned. Yes, it is possible such news may restore him to good -humour again. Wait for me here.”</p> -<p>Opening a door, he left the room. Baudoin, standing near the -mantel-piece, stood there a few minutes ‘attentively -listening to the hum of voices which proceeded from the next -room; then suddenly the door opened, and a voice -called—</p> -<p>“Baudoin!”</p> -<p>The old soldier advanced, and, on reaching the threshold of -the study, he saw the Minister standing there, a frown on his -face, which was even redder than usual.</p> -<p>“Come in!” he said.</p> -<p>Baudoin entered. The General, who wore a black frock-coat and -grey trousers, was striding to and fro. Vallenot stood waiting in -the embrasure of the window.</p> -<p>“The Colonel informs me that you have very important -news to relate concerning the death of M. de Trémont and -my agent.”</p> -<p>“Yes, General.”</p> -<p>“You think you know the rascals who have committed these -murders?”</p> -<p>“Yes, General.”</p> -<p>“Tell me all about it.”</p> -<p>“I must ask permission to speak in the presence of no -one but yourself. It is a secret which interests the lives of -those who are too dear to me to warrant my entrusting it to any -other than yourself.”</p> -<p>“Not even to Colonel Vallenot?”</p> -<p>“A secret which belongs to several persons,” said -Baudoin, coldly, “is no longer a secret. I will tell it -either to the Colonel or to yourself.”</p> -<p>“Very good, my friend, you are right. Will you retire, -<a name="page300"></a><span class="pagenum">p. 300</span>Colonel -Vallenot? This good fellow means no offence. I approve of his -thoughtfulness.”</p> -<p>Vallenot smiled and saluted. It was evident he would gladly -have stayed. But his chief had given the order. A quarter of an -hour later the telephone bell rang. Placing the apparatus to his -ear, he heard the Minister call out—</p> -<p>“Bring me File Z, No. 3, from the secret -press.”</p> -<p>Vallenot opened a large iron safe, and took out a yellow -bundle of papers, which he carried into his chief’s room. -Baudoin was standing before the desk, and the General <i>was</i> -attentively listening to him. Vallenot withdrew. Another interval -for a quarter of an hour, then a fresh ring at the -telephone—</p> -<p>“Send me Captain Rimbert, who had charge of the Valance -affair.”</p> -<p>Vallenot murmured—</p> -<p>“The deuce! There is something in the wind -here!”</p> -<p>Ringing for his office-boy, he gave the order and waited -patiently. Half an hour passed, then the study-door opened, and -Baudoin, conducted by the General himself, appeared. The latter -now appeared satisfied, and said—</p> -<p>“Very good, Baudoin; so it is understood?”</p> -<p>“Yes, General.”</p> -<p>“You will request M. Marcel Baradier to call on -me?”</p> -<p>“Yes, General.”</p> -<p>“And if you hear of anything, let me know of it at -once.”</p> -<p>“Yes, General.”</p> -<p>“Good day. Come in, Vallenot.”</p> -<p>Baudoin left the room. The Minister returned to his study, -where the young Captain Rimbert stood waiting.</p> -<p>“Colonel, will you kindly make out a -<i>resumé</i> of the Espurzheim and Vicomte de -Fontenailles affairs. I believe <a name="page301"></a><span -class="pagenum">p. 301</span>we are on the point of laying our -hands on this crafty woman who so completely tricked all my -predecessors, and mystified myself two years ago. Ah! If I can -have my revenge it shall be a complete one!”</p> -<p>“Then we have to deal with the woman who has -successively borne the name of Madame Ferranti, with Espurzheim, -. . . ” said the Colonel.</p> -<p>“And of Countess de Vervelde, with poor -Fontenailles,” added Captain Rimbert.</p> -<p>“And finally of La Ténébreuse,” -summed up the Minister.</p> -<p>“Oh! What trouble and money the wretch has cost us -without our succeeding in laying hands on her!”</p> -<p>“Well, gentlemen, we will try not to fail this time. -Prepare the notes I requested, Colonel. And you, Captain Rimbert, -not a word!”</p> -<p>Both Colonel and Captain left the room. The Minister rubbed -his hands with satisfaction. Meanwhile Baudoin had made his way -along the quays, and reached the Law Courts as four o’clock -was striking. Crossing the large entrance hall, he mounted to the -second floor, and stopped in front of M. Mayeur’s study. -The attendant was an old friend of his, and welcomed him -cordially—</p> -<p>“Holloa! you here?” he asked. “Have you come -as witness in another affair?”</p> -<p>“No. I simply wish to speak to the magistrate. Is he -engaged?”</p> -<p>“Always! Just now it is a gang of oil-painting thieves, -who have been overhauling the hotel of a marquis in the -Champs-Elysées.”</p> -<p>“Can I speak to him?”</p> -<p>“As soon as he rings, I will tell him you are here. Ah, -he is in no amiable mood. He and the attorney seem to be -quarrelling all the time!”</p> -<p><a name="page302"></a><span class="pagenum">p. 302</span>The -bell rang, a door opened, and three men of slouching gait, -regular types of Parisian blackguards devoured by absinthe, -advanced, casting sly, searching looks in every direction. But -there were neither doors nor windows by which they could gain the -open-air, so they quietly continued their route.</p> -<p>The attendant said—</p> -<p>“M. Baudoin, will you come in now? M. Mayeur is -disengaged.”</p> -<p>The old soldier entered the study. The registrar looked at him -as he passed with a certain amount of curiosity. M. Mayeur -smilingly pointed to a chair, placed his papers in order, and, -turning to the clerk, said—</p> -<p>“You may go now. Put all the files in order. -Goodbye.”</p> -<p>The clerk gave a grimace, which might at will have been taken -as a mark of politeness or of insolence, and withdrew. M. Mayeur, -doubtless tired of questioning, looked steadily at Baudoin, and -invited him to explain himself.</p> -<p>“I undertook, monsieur, to inform you of whatever fresh -might happen concerning the Vanves affair. I have come to keep my -promise.”</p> -<p>“Has something taken place of a nature to throw light on -the affair?”</p> -<p>“A great deal has happened.”</p> -<p>“What?”</p> -<p>“A fire, a murder, and a robbery!”</p> -<p>M. Mayeur’s face lit up.</p> -<p>“And where have these crimes been committed?”</p> -<p>“At Ars, in the Aube.”</p> -<p>The magistrate’s countenance darkened, as though the -inner light which had just illumined it had died away. He -said—</p> -<p><a name="page303"></a><span class="pagenum">p. -303</span>“In the Aube? That is not within our -jurisdiction, and does not concern us.”</p> -<p>“I beg your pardon; it concerns us very much. For the -people who have committed these crimes have also the Vanves -affair to their credit, and it is for this affair, of which the -other is only the consequence, that they are wanted.”</p> -<p>“Then you know them?”</p> -<p>“I do.”</p> -<p>“And you know where to lay hands on them?”</p> -<p>“No. But I can tell you how to do so.”</p> -<p>“So the affair we were so unfortunately obliged to -shelve a couple of months ago is about to recommence? Perhaps -this time we shall be able to reach a satisfactory -conclusion!”</p> -<p>“I maintain without the slightest hesitation that we -shall succeed if you will do your duty.”</p> -<p>“I?” exclaimed M. Mayeur, his face purple with -agitation. “I! After all the trouble I have had, and the -humiliation I have endured.”</p> -<p>He felt that he was giving himself away. The passionate and -ardent nature of the man disappeared, and the calm, cold nature -of the magistrate resumed sway.</p> -<p>With a sigh, he said—</p> -<p>“Tell me everything in detail.”</p> -<p>Baudoin resumed one by one all the events that had taken place -at Ars. He depicted the character of Madame Vignola, and of -Agostini, and finally explained the dreaded intervention of Hans. -Motionless, the magistrate listened, taking short notes from time -to time. The time sped swiftly along, the sun as it sank tinged -with a ruddy glow the waters of the Seine, and the veil of -darkness had fallen when the magistrate ceased listening, and -began to question.</p> -<p>“So this Cesare Agostini is in Paris?”</p> -<p>“M. Graff, M. Marcel’s uncle, has seen him, and M. -<a name="page304"></a><span class="pagenum">p. 304</span>Marcel -has spoken to him. It appears he is engaged to the daughter of M. -Lichtenbach, the banker.”</p> -<p>“Lichtenbach? A man in his position, with his fortune -and relations? Is it possible?”</p> -<p>“You will see. If you wish to know where Agostini lives, -set a watch over Lichtenbach. They are hand and glove with one -another.”</p> -<p>“And the woman Vignola?”</p> -<p>“Agostini will take you to her abode. And when you have -the Vignola, you come to Hans, and the rest of the accomplices, -if there are any. And I believe there is a whole gang of -them!”</p> -<p>“And what will M. Marcel Baradier do?”</p> -<p>“Do not trouble about him; he does not wish to appear in -the matter. A mere question of scruples!”</p> -<p>“But suppose some attempt is made against him? Does he -not wish me to take precautions to assure his safety?”</p> -<p>“No. He is strong enough to protect himself. Besides I -am with him.”</p> -<p>“And so was Laforêt.”</p> -<p>“Yes, that is true; still, it is my master’s -wish—do not do any more than he asks you to undertake. I -think you will be well pleased with the result. That has cost -dear enough! But if we can obtain vengeance for the murder of my -General and poor Laforêt we shall be quits!”</p> -<p>“Very well,” said the magistrate. “If I need -you, M. Baudoin, where can I find you?”</p> -<p>“I am living with my master, M. Baradier.”</p> -<p>“Good. Now that you have been working so well, it is my -turn. This gang will find that they have not been mocking at -justice with impunity.”</p> -<p>“Ah! This has been going on a considerable time, from -what I understand at the War Office.”</p> -<p>“I shall put myself into relations with that Office; <a -name="page305"></a><span class="pagenum">p. 305</span>we will act -in co-operation. Keep your courage up, and have good hopes, M. -Baudoin; the affair is about to start afresh.”</p> -<p>Baudoin, conducted to the door by the magistrate, went out -into the passage, shook hands with the attendant, and left the -building. Returning straight to the Rue de Provènce, he -mounted to Marcel’s rooms.</p> -<p>This evening he was seated in a small salon examining with -minute care the plan for a machine at which he was working. On -seeing Baudoin enter he placed the diagram on the table, looked -at his visitor, and said—</p> -<p>“You have just left?”</p> -<p>“Yes, M. Marcel.”</p> -<p>“You have seen the Minister?”</p> -<p>“Yes. At the very first words I uttered he was all -attention. He wishes to see you, and affirms that the lady in -question is a spy of the most dangerous category, who has had the -police on her tracks for the past six years. That woman must have -a number of crimes on her conscience.”</p> -<p>“That is not what I asked you,” said Marcel. -“Are they going to take measures to keep a watch on -Agostini and his companions? If so—”</p> -<p>“The Minister told me that was the business of the -Detective Department, and advised me to see Mr. Mayeur. I have -just left him. Ah! he will not allow the affair to -lag.”</p> -<p>“Good!”</p> -<p>The tinkling of a bell in the yard interrupted the -conversation. It was the signal for dinner, which, from time -immemorial, had thus been announced every evening, as is the -custom in the provinces. Marcel took off his coat, and replaced -it by another, after which he made his way to the salon. On -entering, his father, Uncle Graff, the two young ladies, and -Madame Baradier, were already waiting before <a -name="page306"></a><span class="pagenum">p. 306</span>passing -into the dining-room. More comfort than luxury was evident -everywhere; not the slightest sign of ostentation was manifest. -Usually, dinner was the time when all the company related the -events of the day. This evening one would have thought that -nobody wished to speak. All the same, Graff, when the joint was -brought on the table, risked the remark—</p> -<p>“The Bourse has been firmer to-day.”</p> -<p>“No great improvement!” growled Baradier.</p> -<p>A deeper silence than before followed. But Uncle Graff had the -patience of a Lorraine, and he continued after a while—</p> -<p>“I have received a letter from Cardez, in which he says -they have reached the second floor of the new building. The -Assurance Company has paid the claim. After all, everything has -turned out for the best.”</p> -<p>“Are the workmen quiet now?” asked Madame -Baradier.</p> -<p>“Poor creatures! They were sorry for what they had done. -But they were not responsible. It was the leaders of the strike! -The deuce take them!”</p> -<p>“Have they fixed upon a larger building-site for a new -steam-engine?” asked Baradier, who forgot his bad temper as -soon as business was on the tapis.</p> -<p>“Father,” interrupted Marcel, “I should -advise you to postpone this plan of yours. Something might happen -which would cause the system of power employed in the works to be -radically changed. Better wait a little.”</p> -<p>“Mere idle fancies and whims! Some wild impracticable -invention, I suppose.”</p> -<p>“No,” replied the young man, with warmth. -“No idle fancy at all! My dear Geneviève, it would -cover your father’s name with glory, for it was he who had -the idea of this invention first, and, indeed, if it is -realizable, <a name="page307"></a><span class="pagenum">p. -307</span>as I believe will be found to be the case, it will bear -his name.”</p> -<p>“Then this is something at which you have been working -the last month?” asked Baradier, inquisitively.</p> -<p>“The last two years, father. It is on this application -of the regulated explosive power of the Trémont -powder—you understand, regulated, that is the -point—that I have been working with the General. We were on -the point of success when he disappeared. But I was in possession -of all the plans, sketches, and calculations we made together, -and I have continued the work all alone.”</p> -<p>“And you think you have succeeded?”</p> -<p>“I do.”</p> -<p>“And what result will you attain with your -machine?”</p> -<p>“A substitute for coal, petroleum, and even electricity, -in the production of force. That is to say, the suppression of -magazines in war vessels, permitting them to increase to an -indefinite extent their sphere of action. There would be no -necessity for locomotives to be supplied with a tender, and in -all industries coal need only be used for metallurgic and heating -purposes.”</p> -<p>“Oh, oh!” said Baradier. “And what will you -put in the place of coal, petroleum, and electricity?”</p> -<p>“That, my dear father, is what I will tell you the day -the patents have been taken all over the world.”</p> -<p>“When will you take them?”</p> -<p>“To-morrow, if you will advance me the forty thousand -francs necessary.”</p> -<p>“I will give you them,” exclaimed Uncle Graff, -with warmth. “I have confidence in you.”</p> -<p>“Who says I am not ready to advance the sum -myself?” resumed Baradier. “I would do it merely to -honour the memory of Trémont.”</p> -<p>“Very good, father; I warrant you have never advanced <a -name="page308"></a><span class="pagenum">p. 308</span>money at -better interest,” said Marcel, joyfully. “It is a -discovery calculated to completely change the methods of -commerce, and yet it is the simplest thing in the -world!”</p> -<p>“Like all good inventions!”</p> -<p>Baradier remained silent for a moment, and then -said—</p> -<p>“But the invention of this machine is connected with the -discovery of the Trémont powders?”</p> -<p>“Yes, father.”</p> -<p>“And the powders have been stolen?”</p> -<p>A sad smile passed over Marcel’s lips.</p> -<p>“Yes, father, the powders have been stolen. The war -powder, for instance, and it is very unfortunate. For the General -intended to present France with this marvellous product, which -would have assured for our army a supremacy of several years over -the other Powers of Europe. Then you know what would have -happened; foreigners would have set to work, and either -discovered or bought our secret, and equilibrium again have been -restored. There will be no superiority for any one, since the -formula of the Trémont war-powder will be given by me -to-morrow to the War Office. That will establish equality. And if -there is war, valour and intelligence will have to undertake the -victory. As for the business powder, that is another matter. They -may have stolen the formula, even manufactured it themselves, but -I defy them to find the means of using it for its destined -purpose.”</p> -<p>“There is a secret about it?”</p> -<p>“Yes, which I discovered quite by chance when working -with the General. That is the peculiarity of this powder, which, -under ordinary conditions, is destructive enough, being ignited -by simple friction—in a word, very dangerous to use; but -which, employed according to our method, is under perfect -control, and regulates its dynamic <a name="page309"></a><span -class="pagenum">p. 309</span>effects, even to the movement of a -pendulum, according to my pleasure.”</p> -<p>All present were listening attentively, thinking of the -importance of this discovery, and the wretched fate of its -initiator. M. Baradier said—</p> -<p>“To-morrow you shall have your money. If the affair is -worth merely the hundredth part of what you claim, -Geneviève will be rich and Trémont -world-famed.”</p> -<p>“As for the Explosives Company,” added Graff, -“it is in a bad way. Lichtenbach is likely to have met his -match at last!”</p> -<h3><a name="page310"></a><span class="pagenum">p. -310</span>CHAPTER III</h3> -<p><span class="smcap">It</span> was five months since Marcel had -solemnly promised his father to break with his giddy companions, -give up his fast life, and no longer set foot in the club, but, -instead of all this, to work and obliterate the acts of folly he -had previously committed. Scrupulously keeping his word, he -withdrew to Ars, and only seldom appeared in Paris. So well had -he worked that the result of his efforts were manifest. The -Minister, after the conversation he had had with Marcel, had -expressed himself to Baradier, concerning the young savant, in -such terms that the father was quite disarmed. All these -deprivations of rights, which he had patiently submitted to, were -now removed, and, not without considerable satisfaction, this -fine young fellow of twenty-six years of age had resumed his -former habits.</p> -<p>The first time he appeared at the club he had been welcomed -with open arms by his companions, young and old alike.</p> -<p>“What has become of you; we have seen nothing of you for -several months! Probably you have been travelling?”</p> -<p>Marcel replied that he had indeed been away from Paris, but -added that he had been thinking seriously concerning gambling, -and had determined to give up baccarat.</p> -<p>“How often have I heard you talk in that way,” -said the Baron de Vergins. “All the same, you could not -resist the <a name="page311"></a><span class="pagenum">p. -311</span>temptation to play if you were in front of the -baccarat-table a single quarter of an hour!”</p> -<p>“Come along, then, and you will see.”</p> -<p>They passed into the large room. Beneath the ceiling floated a -grey mist of tobacco smoke, like a fog.</p> -<p>On either side of the room was a green table, around which -thronged a crowd of sour-visaged punters.</p> -<p>“Ah! You have two baccarat-tables now,” remarked -Marcel.</p> -<p>“Yes; it is an innovation. At the one the minimum stake -is a louis; at the other, it is ten francs. So that, when a -punter has had a run of ill-luck at the large table, he goes to -the small one to try and recoup, with the privilege of returning -afterwards to the other, to lose once more what he may have -won.”</p> -<p>“Very ingenious. A double sieve from which nothing -escapes!”</p> -<p>He approached the large table, and his look immediately became -fixed. In front of him, dealing the bank, he had just recognized -Agostini. Impassive and smiling, a flower at his buttonhole, he -gracefully distributed the cards at both tables. He did not see -Marcel. With his sing-song voice he called out—</p> -<p>“Cards!”</p> -<p>Marcel, addressing the Baron de Vergins, asked—</p> -<p>“Who is the banker?”</p> -<p>“Count Cesare Agostini.”</p> -<p>“Newly joined the club?”</p> -<p>“For a time. Agreeable fellow, good fencer, and reckless -player.”</p> -<p>“Is he lucky?”</p> -<p>“Ah, no. He has very bad luck. Loses more than any one -else, in fact.”</p> -<p>“Do you know anything about him?”</p> -<p><a name="page312"></a><span class="pagenum">p. -312</span>“He was introduced by the Prince de Cystriano and -M. Beltrand. The Agostini family is well known; they are the -younger branch of the great Italian family, the dukes of -Briviesca.”</p> -<p>“Why do they receive so many foreigners at the -club?” asked Marcel, with a displeased air.</p> -<p>“Ah, my dear friend, the club lives on them, so to -speak. I know they make themselves as much at home here as at -their hotel. It is not very pleasant for us. But what is there to -be done? The establishment must be kept going.”</p> -<p>“Has he any relations in Paris?” asked Marcel. -“A sister?”</p> -<p>“No; he is unmarried, and has never been seen in the -company of a lady.”</p> -<p>Marcel changed the conversation, made an excuse for leaving -his companion, and went to the writing-room. Taking up a -directory, he found a recent indication, handwritten as follows: -“Count Cesare Agostini, 7 Rue du Colisée.” It -was something to know this address, though what he wanted was -information respecting that mysterious woman, Anetta or Sophia, -Madame Vignola or the Baroness Grodsko. What was Agostini to him -besides that infinitely charming creature, who had suddenly -become metamorphosed into a most dangerous monster. Her brother, -really? Her accomplice, without the slightest doubt. That was -what he wished to know, and, at the risk of the greatest danger, -he was determined to have his doubts removed.</p> -<p>He had taken a seat in a large armchair, the back of which, -turned towards the door, almost entirely concealed him. Two -members of the club were writing letters. The quiet of this -retired spot, the ticking of the timepiece, seemed to numb his -faculties. The murmur of distant voices lulled him into a -reverie.</p> -<p><a name="page313"></a><span class="pagenum">p. -313</span>Suddenly a quiver ran over him, and he listened -attentively. The voice of Agostini had just joined in the -conversation.</p> -<p>“I have again lost two thousand louis. With the thousand -yesterday, it is quite enough.”</p> -<p>He laughed, and one of his companions said—</p> -<p>“You ought to hold off for a few days, Agostini! It is -useless being obstinate against ill-luck.”</p> -<p>“But if I did not play, what should I do? It is my only -distraction.”</p> -<p>“That was a beautiful lady, at the opera, to whom you -introduced Colonel Derbaut the other night.”</p> -<p>Marcel’s heart seemed to stop beating. He had a -presentiment that the woman in question was the one who was -engaging his own attention so strongly. He could not hear -Agostini’s reply, and the other continued—</p> -<p>“If she is no more than a compatriot of yours, I should -be pleased to make her acquaintance.”</p> -<p>Agostini laughed, but made no promise. And Marcel said to -himself: “His compatriot? An Italian? It is Anetta, I am -sure of it. What is she doing here with this villain? The army -once more in danger, for she has made the acquaintance of Colonel -Derbaut, a staff-officer.” Meanwhile, he had lost the -thread of the conversation, but a second sentence told him all -that was necessary—</p> -<p>“Very good! To-night, at the opera?”</p> -<p>“Agreed!”</p> -<p>Silence was restored. The members of the club continued their -correspondence. Marcel rose from his seat, sure that he was about -to meet the pretended sister of Agostini. She was not in Italy, -as the adventurer had had the audacity to tell him at the charity -sale. She was in Paris and, without thinking of the past, engaged -on some <a name="page314"></a><span class="pagenum">p. -314</span>fresh intrigue. Along whatever path she travelled she -sowed corruption, infamy, and death.</p> -<p>Suddenly in Marcel’s memory arose the smiling, tender -image of Madame Vignola with that bewitching smile, and those -clear, limpid eyes. Was it possible that such a creature should -be a monster? If so, then one greatly to be dreaded!</p> -<p>How can one help trusting in that exquisite gentleness which -pervaded her whole person? And yet, had she not betrayed him? Had -she not revealed the presence of the secret documents in the -laboratory? And that, too, with marvellous rapidity, and a skill -scarcely compatible with honesty. He would have liked to free her -from every suspicion which hung over her; but was it -possible?</p> -<p>Leaving the club, he returned to the bank, and, entering his -father’s study, found his uncle Graff, attentively reading -an evening paper. The old man arose on seeing his nephew enter, -and, holding the printed sheet out to him, said—</p> -<p>“See here, Marcel, here is an article on this affair of -ours. It is a report of a meeting of the Academy of Science, -where Professor Marigot read his notice on the Trémont -powder.”</p> -<p>Marcel carelessly took the journal. Without even glancing at -it, he laid it on the desk.</p> -<p>“Is that all the interest you take in the matter?” -exclaimed the uncle. “You are not inquisitive about the -effect produced by Marigot’s official communication? Very -well, I will tell you what he says. The <i>Globe</i> has given up -a whole column to the discovery, which it states is an important -one, and it predicts, within a short date, a revolution in the -use of motive power. On the other hand, the <i>Panache Blanc</i>, -Lichtenbach’s journal, is dead against the invention, which -it qualifies as a shamefaced imitation, <a -name="page315"></a><span class="pagenum">p. 315</span>insinuating -that it is simply the Dalgetty process, without the slightest -change in the doses of the products.”</p> -<p>“What a brazen falsehood!” Marcel exclaimed, -unable to restrain himself.</p> -<p>“Here is something better. At the Bourse a rumour has -got abroad that the Explosives Company is in possession of the -Trémont patents, and the shares have begun to mount, in -spite of the desperate efforts of the bears. Accordingly, our -situation is saved, and, on the other hand, that of Lichtenbach -seems to be in a terrible pass!”</p> -<p>“You do not expect me to get excited over -that?”</p> -<p>“I do not, indeed. But your father, who for the past -three months has hardly been able to sleep, is now happy and -smiling. He has just gone to Aubervilliers to examine a plot of -land, covering seven acres, which has been offered to us, and -which would be the very spot for constructing the works -necessary. He is especially pleased at owing this result to you. -Though not very expansive, he is enthusiastic and warm-hearted, -and exceedingly proud to be obliged to confess that you are so -gifted. Up to the present, it is Trémont that has been -mentioned, but, when it is known that it is you who brought the -affair to its completion, and your name is in everybody’s -mouth, as soon will be the case, then you will see your father -expand.”</p> -<p>Marcel made no reply. He walked to and fro in the study, with -so absent-minded an air that Graff exclaimed—</p> -<p>“What a strange fellow you are! And yet you must be well -pleased with what I have been telling you. Though you will -scarcely listen to me. What is the matter with you?”</p> -<p>The young man shook his head, and, with an attempt at a smile, -said—</p> -<p>“There is nothing the matter with me, Uncle Graff. What -do you expect me to say?”</p> -<p><a name="page316"></a><span class="pagenum">p. -316</span>“Ah! Perhaps you have no suspicion of the plans -Baradier has been forming for you. He explained them to me this -very morning. We are going to put Marcel at the head of the works -as director. At the same time he shall be one of the managing -directors of the Explosives Company we are about to completely -reorganize. You see, Marcel, you are about to play a very -important <i>rôle</i> in life at twenty-six years of age. -And your father added, ‘If he will marry, I shall no longer -have anything to wish for. He will have satisfied me in -everything.’ What do you think of the idea? I believe he -was thinking of Geneviève de Trémont. What will -your reply be?”</p> -<p>Marcel replied quietly—</p> -<p>“Nothing whatever, Uncle Graff.”</p> -<p>The old man touched Marcel on the shoulder, and, looking -attentively at him, said—</p> -<p>“I do not understand you, Marcel; there is something you -are hiding from me. Have you seen the woman of Ars -again?”</p> -<p>This time, the young man broke out—</p> -<p>“No, I have not seen her; but I know she is in Paris. I -know where I shall see her this evening. Uncle Graff, I intend to -have the key to this living enigma.”</p> -<p>“Ah! My child, there is no enigma; she is simply a -villain, nothing more! How anxious you make me in still troubling -yourself with this woman! Take care! You know how dangerous she -and her companions are. Remember the poor General, and this brave -fellow killed at Ars. Just inform the police, she will be -arrested, and all will be over.”</p> -<p>“If I were certain she were as guilty as you suspect her -to be, I would do so. Though it is not very gallant to give up a -woman.”</p> -<p>“What! Chivalry with such people?”</p> -<p><a name="page317"></a><span class="pagenum">p. -317</span>“But I have my doubts, Uncle Graff. I cannot make -up my mind to condemn her unheard.”</p> -<p>“Yes! In a word, you wish to see her again. Don’t -tell me any idle stories; I am not so stupid as to be taken in by -them. She still holds you in her power. And you are about to risk -being murdered, in some dark corner or other, for the pleasure of -being deceived once more by such a traitress.”</p> -<p>“Uncle Graff, no one will kill me at the opera. It is -there I rely on seeing her to-night.”</p> -<p>“Are you in earnest?”</p> -<p>“Have you disposed of your orchestra stall?”</p> -<p>“No.”</p> -<p>“Very well, give it to me.”</p> -<p>“Promise me you will do nothing extravagant, and that if -this woman wants you to accompany her, you will not do -so.”</p> -<p>“No; I cannot promise that. But I will be on my guard -all the same. Agostini shall not knock me over like a -pigeon.”</p> -<p>“Take a good revolver with you.”</p> -<p>“Certainly.”</p> -<p>“Ah! <i>Mon Dieu</i>! And I was feeling so happy!” -groaned the old man. “Suppose you take Baudoin with -you?”</p> -<p>“Under no pretext. Be assured, however, I am running no -risk this time. Later on, we shall see.”</p> -<p>The arrival of Baradier cut the conversation short. Marcel -returned home to dress before dinner.</p> -<p>That evening the <i>Walkyrie</i> was being given at the opera. -When Marcel reached his stall, the second act was commencing. The -domestic troubles of Wotan, the Scandinavian Jupiter, with -Fricka, a real Juno without her peacock, possessed only a slight -interest for the young man. <a name="page318"></a><span -class="pagenum">p. 318</span>Turning round, he leaned his elbow -on the back of his stall, and looked about him. Slowly, the boxes -began to fill, as though the subscribers had only decided to come -at all because they had paid dearly for the privilege. Up above -in the amphitheatre was a sea of eager faces turned on to the -stage. There was the real amateur and artistic public.</p> -<p>But Marcel was not looking for critical observations as to the -musical capacity of the different auditors of a masterly piece, -rather for the face of a woman. Nowhere could he catch a glimpse -of the beautiful profile of Madame Vignola. Two side boxes on the -right of the actors still remained unoccupied. And Marcel, again -turning towards the stage, kept a watch on them.</p> -<p>Towards the end of the act the sound of an opening door drew -his attention. He saw a light appear in one of the side boxes, -then a vague uncertain form appeared in its velvet frame. The -door closed again, the background again darkened, and a woman, -clothed in white, <i>décolleté</i>, and wearing a -necklace of beautiful pearls, came to the front of the box. As -her face was turned away from Marcel he could not distinguish her -features. Still, what relation could there be between this -vigorous brunette and the blonde and languishing Anetta? -Strength, where he had found grace. No. This could not be the -one.</p> -<p>As the curtain fell amidst a tempest of cheers, and the -artists reappeared on the stage to bow their acknowledgments, the -lady turned round, in such a way as to face Marcel, who, -stupefied, recognized the look of the one he loved. He might have -been mistaken in everything else, but not in the languishing look -which formed so delightful a contrast with that mocking smile and -imperious brow. He examined her attentively, without her being -aware that she was observed. But what grief he felt at being -obliged to recognize her in such a disguise!</p> -<p><a name="page319"></a><span class="pagenum">p. 319</span>Was -not the very fact of this metamorphosis, the most complete of -confessionals? Why, if not to disarm curiosity, these changes, in -head-dress, in the colour of the hair, and the expression of the -face? What was this comedy she was playing, and when? Was it at -Ars that she was painted and disguised, or at the opera?</p> -<p>Marcel arose. All around him were leaving their seats. Madame -Vignola was no longer in front of the box. Marcel counted the -number of boxes. This one was the fourth after the passage. -Standing behind a column, he kept watch.</p> -<p>This self-imposed waiting seemed interminable to him. The -passers-by irritated him, he replied to a few bows, but avoided -shaking hands with any one. Finally, the door of the box opened, -and Agostini and an elderly man, wearing the rosette of the -Legion d’Honneur, appeared. The count and his companion -made their way towards the grand staircase, before Marcel, who -had his back turned to them, and disappeared. Then the young man -opened the door of the box, and entered.</p> -<p>The spectator was seated on the sofa. Marcel closed the door, -and walked up to her. Turning her head, she looked at the -intruder, and said, without the faintest agitation—</p> -<p>“You are in the wrong box, sir.”</p> -<p>He replied ironically—</p> -<p>“No, madame, there is no mistake, if I am in the -presence of Madame Vignola, unless you are the Baroness -Grodsko.”</p> -<p>At these words, the young woman’s face appeared -frightfully agitated. Her eyes turned pale, and her lips -trembled.</p> -<p>“Whose name is that you have uttered?” she -murmured, in unsteady accents.</p> -<p>“Evidently one of your own! So far as I can judge, <a -name="page320"></a><span class="pagenum">p. 320</span>you change -names, according to circumstances, just as you change faces, -according to the men you associate with.”</p> -<p>“I do not understand what you mean. Once more I say, you -are mistaken, retire.”</p> -<p>“No! I shall wait here till Count Agostini returns. We -will have an explanation in his presence. He, at any rate, will -not be able to deny his identity. And that will help to establish -yours.”</p> -<p>Rising from her seat, and no longer taking the trouble to -deny, she said—</p> -<p>“And he will kill you! Wretched man, leave here at once, -without a moment’s delay. You do not know what dangers you -are running!”</p> -<p>“I know them quite well. General Trémont is dead, -Laforêt, the police agent, is dead, and so, doubtless, are -many others who have resisted your fancies or intrigues. And if -I, too, do not yield, you will try to compass my death also. But, -before that happens, I will know who and what you are.”</p> -<p>The woman’s countenance darkened. Raising her beautiful -arm, she said in tragic tones—</p> -<p>“Do not attempt it! You will never succeed!”</p> -<p>“Still, I have made a beginning,” he said madly. -“Spy—thief—actress; yes, actress even in -love!”</p> -<p>She did not appear to have heard the other insults he hurled -at her, but from this last one, she recoiled. Blushing, she -seized Marcel by the arm, and fixed on him a pair of eyes which -seemed to flame with passion.</p> -<p>“No! I have not lied! Don’t believe that of me! Do -not accuse me of having been false in love. I did love you! Can -you think otherwise? Accuse me of whatever you wish, it matters -little to me! We shall never see one another again, you -hear!—never see one another again in this world. Therefore, -believe what I now swear to you: <a name="page321"></a><span -class="pagenum">p. 321</span>I loved you; I still love you! I -have never loved any one as I have loved you, and that is why I -shall never see you again. Do not attempt to understand or to -fathom my secrets; they would cause your death. Content yourself -with what you know of me, and with the fact that you have not -paid for it with your life. Become blind when I pass by your -side; deaf, whenever my name is mentioned. Do not enter the -darkness in which I am shrouded. Oh! Marcel, my loved one, go -away, do not suspect me of having lied to you. Clasped in your -arms, your lips pressed against mine, I told the truth, -I—”</p> -<p>She stopped. Tears shone in her eyes, and her beautiful arms -are flung around Marcel’s neck. He felt himself pressed to -her throbbing bosom, the fire of her eyes blinded him, and he -shuddered at the contact of that ardent mouth pressed to his own -in a delirium of delight. Amid her sighs, he heard the word -“Adieu!” and found himself near the door. There, her -embrace relaxed, and he stood dazed and maddened in the passage, -amidst the spectators who were returning to their seats. Taking -up his coat, and staggering along like a man intoxicated, he -obeyed his mysterious love, and left the theatre.</p> -<p>He no longer doubted. That cry, “I love you -still!” was sincere. She was not lying when she confessed -her love. Besides, why had she driven him away from her, if not -inspired by the passionate fright of the woman who trembles lest -her loved one meet his death. Then it was some strange will, -superior to her own, which had compelled her to fascinate him, -and which was again controlling her in the performance of some -dark, mysterious deed or other! That he was, and must remain, -ignorant of.</p> -<p>On reaching the Place de l’Opéra, he felt calmer. -The open air did him good. But the memory of those glorious eyes, -and that quivering voice, as she held him in her arms, <a -name="page322"></a><span class="pagenum">p. 322</span>came back -to him with painful intensity. Ah! What a woman!</p> -<p>But she was a monster of corruption and depravity. He had told -her so without the slightest protest. She was, beyond doubt, an -accomplice in several murders; perhaps even that white and -delicate hand of hers had itself been stained in blood! She was -the secret agent of threatening hostility and venal treason. Her -beauty, grace, and intelligence were so many attractions which -served to captivate her dupes. Her love was only a means to an -end.</p> -<p>A feeling of revolt came over him. He said to himself, -“Really, I am too much of a coward. The attraction this -woman exercises over me is taking away my moral faculty! At the -very moment she appears in such a despicable light before me, I -yet love her. And yet, I scarcely know her. She loved me; that is -the reason she left me, unwilling as she was to ruin me!” -He laughed in a nervous fashion, and thought, “Very soon, I -shall be obliged to feel grateful towards her! And yet she is an -infamous wretch. Yes; but how beautiful!”</p> -<p>A prey to these contradictory thoughts, he reached the Rue de -Provènce, and immediately retired to rest. The following -morning, when he awoke, he was astonished to find his uncle Graff -at his bedside. It was eight o’clock. He had had a -dreamless sleep. The old man, feeling uneasy, had been turning -over and over in his bed, and, at daybreak, had not been able to -resist the desire of making sure that nothing had happened to -Marcel. For some time he had been watching his nephew sleep, and -now he wished to question him, but, finding him silent, or -evasive in his answers, he abandoned all hope of learning -anything just then, and called on Baradier for a cup of coffee. -He had left his room, fasting, and was dying of hunger.</p> -<p>The same morning, in Lichtenbach’s study, about ten <a -name="page323"></a><span class="pagenum">p. -323</span>o’clock, Agostini and Hans were engaged in a -<i>tête-à-tête</i> with the banker. Count -Cesare was sitting in dreamy attitude, smoking a cigarette. Hans, -impassive, was listening to Elias, who was speaking in even a -duller voice than usual.</p> -<p>“The situation is certainly serious for you,” he -was saying, “but for me it is becoming very grave. Relying -on your information, I undertook a bear campaign, which was to -place the Explosives Company in my hands, by permitting of my -redeeming the shares for a mere trifle. It happens that my -closest rivals, and deadly enemies, the firm of Baradier and -Graff, have undertaken the counter-part of my operations, and all -my efforts to shake them off have been unavailing. Then, I did -not understand the causes of their firmness, but now I do. The -notice read at the Academy of Science gives me the key to their -calculations. They are in possession of the secret you have -failed to find. They are in a position to exploit the -Trémont powder, and the Dalgetty patent is worth nothing! -This is the net result of all your intrigues. You have indeed -something to be proud of!”</p> -<p>“What will all this cost you?” asked Agostini, -coldly.</p> -<p>“How much will it cost me?” exclaimed the banker, -furiously. “Almost all I possess! You seem to look at -things in a very philosophical light! It is easy to say to a man -one has ruined, ‘How much has it cost you?’ Can I -rely on my physical attractions? To have money I must work, and -it has been so with me for the past forty years!”</p> -<p>“Come, Lichtenbach,” said Hans, “don’t -cry about it. We are aware that you will lose considerably, in -case the affair does not succeed. But there will be something -left. I will offer you ten million francs for whatever remains, -if you like!”</p> -<p>“Stupid rogues as you are!” exclaimed Elias. -“You <a name="page324"></a><span class="pagenum">p. -324</span>are speaking of what you know nothing about! This -filthy affair of yours, managed by such silly dolts, has cost me -the labour of half my life, and even more—my pride! For I, -who have always had the upper hand of Baradier and Graff, am now -at their mercy. Your famous Sophia has, indeed, been brilliant in -this matter! A man-eater who has never failed. A flower of -rottenness, one need only breathe to be intoxicated, such -corrupting ferments does she exhale! A simple young man is given -into her hands; a mere child’s-play for her, and here she -remains, inactive and powerless, either unable or unwilling to -make him give up his secret. Meanwhile, I have been losing all my -money. You idiots! You stupid rascals! Will you give me back my -money? I know of nothing in the world more despicable than an -imbecile bandit! And that is what you are, both of you, and your -Sophia into the bargain!”</p> -<p>Hans’ countenance remained unchanged. Agostini, with -sombre look, flung away his cigarette, and said—</p> -<p>“There is some truth in what you say, Lichtenbach, so I -will overlook your insolent words. But for that, I would have -made you pay dearly for what you have just said.”</p> -<p>“Not another word!” growled Lichtenbach. “I -defy you!”</p> -<p>“You will be foolish to do so,” continued the -Italian. “A Count Cesare Agostini will not receive a -gratuitous insult from a Lichtenbach.”</p> -<p>“Gratuitous? Indeed!”</p> -<p>“Come! Peace!” said Hans, in tones of authority. -“We are not here to exchange compliments with one another, -but to find some solution to the difficulty. It is true the -Baroness has failed. We know the reason now, when it is too late. -She has been stupid enough to fall in love with this young man, -and has only half accomplished her mission. <a -name="page325"></a><span class="pagenum">p. 325</span>When she -led him on to talk confidentially to her, she was afraid that he -would despise her later on. To sum up, the <i>coup</i> failed. -The young man is now on his guard; he will say nothing more, -unless I undertake, as a last resource, to question him. For the -present, however, the situation is as follows: We possess an -excellent patent, similar, as regards the composition of the -powder, to the one taken under the name of Trémont. But we -are in ignorance of the trick of working it. Our powder is a -brutal explosive. The Trémont powder is graduated in -action. There is the real value of the discovery. Under these -conditions, Dalgetty could establish a claim, and accuse of -counterfeit the exploiters of the Trémont patent, which -was taken out after ours. The result—scandal, trial, -blackmailing. This is the line we must follow, and it may serve -as a means for a settlement.”</p> -<p>“In what way?” asked Lichtenbach, interested.</p> -<p>“By sending a trusty ambassador to Baradier and Graff to -offer them terms of peace.”</p> -<p>“They will not accept!”</p> -<p>“How do you know? It all depends on the manner in which -the proposal is made; you may have to concede to them both -material and moral advantages, in order to reach a fusion of the -two affairs.”</p> -<p>“That would mean safety, and even triumph!” -exclaimed Lichtenbach. “Just let me get them into my power, -and they shall not escape so easily!”</p> -<p>“Then I will rely upon you! Ah! You sly rogue, you have -come back to life again.”</p> -<p>“The fact is, the idea of being their dupe was killing -me! The whole of my life would have been spent in vain! Ever -since I have been in Paris, I have only had one desire—to -injure them! Give up this joy! I could not! Whom shall I send -them?”</p> -<p><a name="page326"></a><span class="pagenum">p. -326</span>“A priest,” insinuated Agostini.</p> -<p>“The Abbé d’Escayrac, if he would do me -this service! Fine idea! He well knows how to lull one’s -conscience by moulding a man’s intelligence to his will. -But what can we offer Baradier and Graff?”</p> -<p>“Anything you imagine they might decently accept. What -will it cost you? Have you not a daughter? She has been carefully -brought up, and is of an amiable disposition, so I am -told.”</p> -<p>“Well!”</p> -<p>“Offer her to young Baradier, with an enormous dowry. If -Sophia were only willing, she would arrange the matter well -enough!”</p> -<p>This time, Agostini manifested symptoms of violent discontent. -He brought his hand down forcibly on the table, and, looking at -the others with murderous eyes, said—</p> -<p>“And what is to become of me in this combination? Are -you forgetting that Mademoiselle Lichtenbach is my affianced -wife?”</p> -<p>“The engagement can easily be broken,” replied -Hans, coldly.</p> -<p>“Do you intend to jest with me?”</p> -<p>“I never jest with any one to no purpose.”</p> -<p>“Then you are seriously thinking of overthrowing all my -plans?”</p> -<p>“What use will your plans be to you, if Lichtenbach is -ruined? Besides, you silly fellow, do you think Elias is a man -likely to trouble himself with you, if you are no longer of any -use to him? Already you have gone down several notches in his -esteem. If an arrangement has to be made with you, we will offer -you money. I know where to find it.”</p> -<p>The handsome Italian laid his hand on his heart.</p> -<p><a name="page327"></a><span class="pagenum">p. -327</span>“And what compensation will be large enough to -satisfy me?”</p> -<p>“Ah, ah!” jeered Hans. “We are well aware -that your conscience is as tender as it is delicate!”</p> -<p>Lichtenbach, who had remained silent, after hearing the -suggestion concerning his daughter, now said—</p> -<p>“A Baradier marry a Lichtenbach! Is it possible? Never -would the Graffs and Baradiers consent to such a thing! For my -own part, I ought to protest with all my might against such a -proposal.”</p> -<p>He remained silent, as though absorbed in thought, and then -said slowly—</p> -<p>“Still, my daughter is well worthy of entering such a -family. They are honest people, after all! And she is a charming -and proud child. If only they would consent! My daughter would be -certain of a happy future. She would have a peaceful and tranquil -life. These Baradiers are honest and respectable, after all! If -they would receive my daughter as their own, they would treat her -well, and she would not be the prey of an adventurer! True, I -hate them, and wish to do them harm, for all the humiliations -they have inflicted on me. But if they would accept my -daughter!”</p> -<p>A tear shone on the cheek of this hardened man—a tear -more precious than a diamond, for it owed its source to a -father’s love. Hans interrupted the scene; he was not a man -to understand such tender feelings.</p> -<p>“So you adopt my plan? You will make an attempt at -conciliation with our opponents. Offer them what you like, that -is your own affair, and if we succeed, we will unite the two -patents. You alone carry on the transaction, though, naturally, -you reserve us our share. You see, this young Count Cesare might -turn out troublesome. Is it agreed upon?”</p> -<p><a name="page328"></a><span class="pagenum">p. -328</span>“Yes.”</p> -<p>Hans and Agostini took their leave. Elias walked to and fro -about his study, then he proceeded to his daughter’s room. -Marianne was seated near the window overlooking the garden, -working. She rose on seeing her father appear. Wearing a blue -dressing-gown ornamented with quipure lace, her fair hair tied up -in bands, she had about her a kind of virgin gentleness, which -caused her father’s heart to swell with love and -tenderness. Sitting by her side, he drew her near to himself, and -entered into conversation.</p> -<p>“You have now been settled down here some considerable -time. Are you satisfied? Is everything progressing as you -wish?”</p> -<p>“Yes, father, I should be very ungrateful if I were not -satisfied. You let me do whatever I want. But I hope you are well -pleased yourself, also.”</p> -<p>“Certainly, little one, and I wish us always to remain -so. But, you know, some day we shall be obliged to -separate.”</p> -<p>Marianne looked serious; her smile vanished.</p> -<p>“A day in the distant future, father; there is no -hurry.”</p> -<p>“You will marry. Would you not like to be -married?”</p> -<p>“That will depend on the husband.”</p> -<p>A silence followed. The controller of men felt ill at ease -before this child, whose future he had disposed of by -calculation. He did not dare speak to her of Agostini, whom he -had introduced to her, and praised in her presence only the night -before. It was Marianne who took it upon herself to explain the -precise situation of things.</p> -<p>“I am rather troubled, I confess, at the favour you -accord this young Italian count, and at the way in which you -speak to me of him.”</p> -<p>“My dear child!” exclaimed Lichtenbach.</p> -<p>“No! Let me continue,” interrupted Marianne. <a -name="page329"></a><span class="pagenum">p. -329</span>“Afterwards you may praise your candidate as much -as you like. But allow me to speak to you quite freely. Your -<i>protegé’s</i> conduct and habits make me uneasy. -He does not seem to me frank; he is too polite, and full of -compliments. There is something suspicious about this man who is -always smiling and flattering. Besides, his voice has no genuine -ring about it. His cold, cruel looks belie his handsome face and -gentle words. Lastly, dear father, he is a foreigner. Are there -no more Frenchmen to marry in France that one should be obliged -to look for a <i>fiancé</i> for one’s daughter on -the other side of the frontier? He is a count, but I have no -ambition in that direction. He does not work, and I should not -care to marry any one without business of any kind. Papa, if you -wish to please me and consult my tastes, you will choose another -suitor. Your daughter is something to you—that you have -often given me to understand; you have, perhaps, insisted rather -too much on the fact, for I might have formed too good an opinion -of myself. Luckily, I am reasonable and modest in my demands. Do -not marry me to an idle man, who is also ambitious and wicked. If -you want me to be free from anxiety, send away this handsome -Italian. He is not the man for me!”</p> -<p>Lichtenbach smiled good-humouredly and said—“Then -who is?”</p> -<p>Marianne blushed, but made no reply.</p> -<p>“Ah, ah!” continued Lichtenbach. “So there -is a secret, is there? Better tell your father all about it, -little one. Have you met some one you like, my dear? Tell me -everything; don’t be afraid. You know very well I will do -nothing opposed to your wishes. If you do not like Agostini, why -did you not tell me so sooner? Come, now, tell me all!”</p> -<p>With downcast head she said—</p> -<p><a name="page330"></a><span class="pagenum">p. -330</span>“No, no! It is useless. I have only one -wish—to stay by your side just as I am. I shall be very -happy.”</p> -<p>“You are not telling me the truth,” exclaimed -Lichtenbach, excitedly. “You must tell me what you mean. Do -you imagine there are difficulties in the way? Yes? Of what kind? -Is it some one I know?”</p> -<p>“Let us say nothing more on the subject, father,” -said Marianne. “I was wrong in introducing the subject. It -can be nothing but a painful one for both yourself and myself. -You had given me warning. But it was too late. The subject shall -never be brought up again between us; that I promise -you.”</p> -<p>“You could not speak to me otherwise if it were my -greatest enemy. Is it so?”</p> -<p>He did not utter the name of Baradier, but Marianne read it -upon his lips. She raised her eyes up to her father’s face, -as though to ask pardon from him for what he must consider a kind -of treason. She did not, however, find in his countenance that -angry and threatening expression she dreaded to see there. He was -passive and calm, and sat there for a moment without uttering a -word. Then, in accents of great deliberation, he asked—</p> -<p>“We are thinking of Marcel Baradier, are we not? Yes, it -must be he. I was wrong to let you visit Geneviève de -Trémont. That was very imprudent on my part. However, it -cannot be helped now. We must try to arrange matters.”</p> -<p>“Arrange matters!” stammered Marianne.</p> -<p>“Yes, my dear child. We must make an attempt. I would do -anything to make you happy.”</p> -<p>“Forget your bitter feelings of the past?”</p> -<p>“I will try to make the Baradiers forget -theirs.”</p> -<p>“Oh, father, dear father!”</p> -<p>She flung her arms around his neck with such a burst of <a -name="page331"></a><span class="pagenum">p. 331</span>joy, that -Lichtenbach turned pale with shame. For the first time in his -life, he had a very clear impression of the significance of a -cowardly action, doubtless, because his victim in this case was -his own daughter. At the same time, he felt that the evil deeds -of a whole lifetime accumulate, and that, at some time or other, -the interest must be paid, in humiliation and suffering. He -looked at Marianne tenderly, and said, in accents of -sincerity—</p> -<p>“Ah! is it so serious as that? Very well, my child, I -will do everything possible to make you happy.”</p> -<p>After kissing her, he returned to his room, ordered his -carriage, and drove away to call on the Abbé -d’Escayrac.</p> -<h3><a name="page332"></a><span class="pagenum">p. -332</span>CHAPTER IV</h3> -<p><span class="smcap">About</span> five o’clock Madame -Baradier had just returned, and was reading in her small salon; -her daughter, Amélie, and Geneviève de -Trémont were working at the table, chatting pleasantly the -while, when the servant entered, and said—</p> -<p>“There is a priest here, who wishes to speak to you, -madame.”</p> -<p>Madame Baradier, lady patroness of several charitable -institutions, was continually receiving appeals to her -generosity. She made no distinction between the clergy and the -laity, but received all with equal benevolence. Accordingly, she -ordered the visitor to be showed in. The first glance she gave -him showed her a fine, intelligent face, the general aspect being -rather that of a fashionable and carefully dressed priest. The -first words he uttered confirmed this judgment—</p> -<p>“Madame,” said the visitor, “I am the -Abbé d’Escayrac, secretary of the Issy -establishment, which is under the lofty patronage of the Bishop -of Andropolis.”</p> -<p>“Superior of the Absolutionists, unless I am -mistaken.”</p> -<p>“You are not mistaken, madame.”</p> -<p>“What can I do for your work, Monsieur -l’Abbé?”</p> -<p>“You can do much, madame. But, first of -all,”—here the Abbé lowered his -voice—“I have information of special importance to -communicate to you, and it might be better, if you have no -objection, if we were alone.”</p> -<p><a name="page333"></a><span class="pagenum">p. -333</span>“As you please, Monsieur -l’Abbé.”</p> -<p>The two girls had been well brought up. On a look from Madame -Baradier, they arose, bowed, and left the room.</p> -<p>“You may now speak freely, Monsieur -l’Abbé.”</p> -<p>“I am well aware, madame, how you are animated by a -sincere Christian fervour,” continued the priest, -“and it is on the certainty that all apostolic work must -receive your cordial assistance that my mission is based. As you -know, we are devoted heart and soul to the service of the poor. -Poverty and misery, nay, even vice itself, have an exclusive -claim on our interest and attention. To us a criminal is a -brother we try to restore to the path of virtue, just as we use -our best efforts to save a sick man. In this way a vast amount of -misfortune and crime is revealed to us. We are the confidents of -the most painful of physical vices, the most lamentable of moral -back-slidings. We offer help to all, without exception, and often -serve as intermediaries between those who have the power to -punish and those who wish to be spared. We are never deaf to -repentance, and try to turn it to the advantage of our holy -religion.”</p> -<p>He spoke with grave earnestness, and an insinuating voice, -turning on one side the obstacles in the way, preparing his -ground, and gradually attempting to win over to his side the -intelligence of the wife, so as to make of her an ally against -the husband. Madame Baradier, astonished at this lengthy -introduction, was beginning to wonder what was the meaning of it -all, so she asked—</p> -<p>“Is it pecuniary help you want, Monsieur -l’Abbé? If so, you will find us very sympathetically -disposed towards your work.”</p> -<p>“We shall be very grateful, madame, for whatever you may -do for us, but money is not at present the object of my visit. -Recently, we have founded in the Var an important <a -name="page334"></a><span class="pagenum">p. -334</span>establishment, where we propose, in imitation of other -powerful religious orders, to open a business establishment. To -facilitate our efforts, we have received very important -assistance. We are full of gratitude towards those who have -helped us, and, the opportunity of doing them a service now -offering itself, I, your humble servant, have been appointed to -bring to you a message of conciliation from a man who, for many -years, has been in a state of hostility with your family, but who -now wishes to end his life in concord and peace.”</p> -<p>Madame Baradier, for the last few minutes, had been -manifesting serious symptoms of uneasiness. She saw that the -interview was assuming a form which did not please her; -accordingly, she cut short the speech of the amiable Abbé, -and said—</p> -<p>“Will you kindly tell me what you wish, Monsieur -l’Abbé? The man’s name will, I believe, -explain the affair far better.”</p> -<p>The young priest smiled; and, with the suppliant look of a -martyr, he said—</p> -<p>“I am a minister of charity and pardon, madame. The -man’s name is M. Lichtenbach.”</p> -<p>“I suspected it.”</p> -<p>“Am I to imagine that his personality will render all -understanding impossible, even in the interests of -religion?”</p> -<p>“It is not my place to form such a resolution, Monsieur -l’Abbé. I cannot forget that there are in this house -two men who are alone entitled to reply: my husband and my -brother. Permit me to call them.”</p> -<p>“I am at your disposal, madame.”</p> -<p>“No. Monsieur l’Abbé, do not speak so. -Whatever happens, be sure that we all rightly appreciate the -mission of conciliation you have accepted. We shall not confound -the mission with its agent.”</p> -<p><a name="page335"></a><span class="pagenum">p. -335</span>Bowing to the priest, she left the room. The -Abbé remained motionless in his armchair, buried in -thought. He was fulfilling a mission useful to his order in a -double sense. No preoccupation foreign to his religious duties -troubled him. He rightly appreciated Elias, but the evangelical -spirit would not allow him to neglect the salvation of even the -most despicable of men. Had not Christ permitted the kiss of -Judas? Did not the Holy Father lave the feet of the filthiest of -beggars? Besides, the interests of the Church inspired him. The -door opened, and Graff appeared. Coming up to the young -Abbé, he bowed—</p> -<p>“My sister, Madame Baradier, has just informed me of -your presence, Monsieur l’Abbé. My brother-in-law, -Barassin, is busy in the office, and begs to be excused. Besides, -I have full permission to act as I think best. Will you -explain?”</p> -<p>“Has not Madame Baradier told you?”</p> -<p>“In a few hasty words. You are sent by Lichtenbach? -Good! That does not astonish us in the least. So long as he was -the stronger, he did us all the harm he could. Now that we have -the upper hand, he is trying to stop the game. Let us hear what -he wants.”</p> -<p>M. d’Escayrac smiled.</p> -<p>“It is pleasant to talk to you, monsieur; one knows at -once where one is going.”</p> -<p>“Very well, Monsieur l’Abbé; since you -know, proceed at once to facts.”</p> -<p>“By chance, your firm and that of Lichtenbach have met -on the same ground concerning the exploitation of a -patent.”</p> -<p>“You call that chance? Good! Good! As for the -‘same ground,’ there is some truth in that, since, in -order to obtain the patent in question, they have exploded a -house, that of one of our friends; set fire to a manufactory, our -<a name="page336"></a><span class="pagenum">p. 336</span>own; -assassinated two men, and risked killing several others. It is a -‘ground’ sprinkled with blood, Monsieur -l’Abbé! But, still, it is that abominable -‘same ground!’”</p> -<p>The priest crossed his hands with an expression of horror.</p> -<p>“Monsieur, I knew nothing of what you are now revealing -to me. Were it any one but yourself who were speaking, I should -think he had taken leave of his senses. It is impossible that the -man, in whose name I am here, should have committed the frightful -acts you now reproach him with.”</p> -<p>“Let us understand one another,” replied Uncle -Graff, eagerly. “I do not accuse Lichtenbach of having shed -blood. He is incapable of it for several reasons, the best of -which is that he would not dare to do such a thing. But the -patent of which you speak has been obtained by the means I have -just informed you of. Monsieur l’Abbé, you have been -beguiled into a disagreeable enterprise. Still, in us you have to -deal with those who have too much respect for religion for you to -need to fear any responsibility. You may explain yourself without -any further beating about the bush. Whatever may be said between -us will not be repeated. After all, this interview may have some -useful result, who knows?”</p> -<p>“I have no doubt whatever of that,” said the -Abbé, considerably troubled all the same. “Oh, -monsieur, how pleased I am to have to discuss the interests -entrusted to my charge with so benevolent a man as yourself! God -be praised! If possible, we will bring about a perfect -understanding. If only you knew what I myself dread! In very -truth, M. Lichtenbach is not so responsible for all that has -happened as you suppose. He is not his own master in this matter; -he has to deal with powerful personages, who will not lay down -their arms, and who, I am afraid, <a name="page337"></a><span -class="pagenum">p. 337</span>will have recourse to the most -extreme measures to obtain the supremacy over you.”</p> -<p>“We have nothing to fear!”</p> -<p>“There are poisoned weapons which will kill even the -most invulnerable. Be on your guard, monsieur, against the plots -to which your adversaries at bay may have recourse. I speak to -you in all sincerity. I was not aware of the past, but I have -been terrified at the glimpse into the future that has been -permitted me.”</p> -<p>“By whom? Lichtenbach?”</p> -<p>“Oh! He was terrified himself; and begged me to come and -speak to you, simply knowing me to be one whose character could -offer him sufficient guarantee for discretion. I can assure you -that in him you no longer have an enemy to deal with. Of that he -is ready to give you whatever proof you wish.”</p> -<p>“He is deceiving you, Monsieur l’Abbé. You -have been his dupe, and know him well. What does he -want?”</p> -<p>“He proposes the complete fusion of the two enterprises -by the exploitation of the two patents. Though the Dalgetty is -previous to the Trémont patent, the two discoveries, being -almost similar, shall be considered as equal.”</p> -<p>“What is that?” exclaimed Uncle Graff. -“Lichtenbach is, indeed, very kind. One is genuine, the -other counterfeit. The Trémont patent is the result of -work and intelligence; the Dalgetty patent is the result of fraud -and theft.”</p> -<p>“My dear sir,” exclaimed the Abbé, -uneasily, “official declarations are a guarantee of faith. -One cannot go against facts. The Dalgetty was taken out by an -English company before the Trémont.”</p> -<p>“And how does that affect us? The Dalgetty has no value; -those who have sent you here are well aware of that fact. We have -them in our power, I tell you; they <a name="page338"></a><span -class="pagenum">p. 338</span>can do nothing. Their patent is not -worth the money they have spent in taking it out. For months past -Lichtenbach and ourselves have been adversaries over the -Explosives Company. We hold the right end, that he well knows. He -will soon have to undertake a liquidation. And then?”</p> -<p>“He offers to stop his bear operations.”</p> -<p>“He cannot continue them any longer.”</p> -<p>“He will take at half price the shares of the Explosives -of which you are the holders, and pay for them at -once.”</p> -<p>“I dare say he will; they will rise at a leap to two -hundred francs each!”</p> -<p>“He is ready to offer you a pledge of his frank and, -henceforth, invariable co-operation. If, in your family, you had -a person belonging to his family, if an alliance united your -common interests, would you not consider that an absolute -guarantee of his sincere cessation of enmity against -you?”</p> -<p>Graff turned pale, but succeeded in mastering his emotions, -and, wishing to know his opponent’s inmost thoughts, he -said—</p> -<p>“Who is the person in question on Lichtenbach’s -side?”</p> -<p>“Mademoiselle Marianne, his daughter.”</p> -<p>“And on ours?”</p> -<p>“Your nephew, M. Baradier.”</p> -<p>“So these two would be married, and Baradier, Graff, and -Lichtenbach would form one single family.”</p> -<p>“I do not know whether or not you are acquainted with -Mademoiselle Lichtenbach. She is a charming young lady, brought -up under the loftiest religious influences, and calculated to -offer your nephew the most serious guarantees of happiness -possible. It would be a joy to us to have contributed to the -reconciliation of former enemies, separated by quarrels, which -might, doubtless, easily be forgotten in <a -name="page339"></a><span class="pagenum">p. 339</span>the midst -of general satisfaction. Concord and peace instead of enmity; no -more fears or threats. One common and complete prosperity! Come, -my dear sir, pronounce the words of redemption and hope, make an -effort over your pride, and give the world an example of -gentleness and charity.”</p> -<p>Graff had silently listened to the priest’s earnest -pleading. His bent forehead and closed eyes gave the Abbé -d’Escayrac to believe that his words were having their due -effect on the old man’s thoughts. There was a -moment’s silence. Then the uncle looked the Abbé -straight in the face, and, in firm tones, said—</p> -<p>“Monsieur l’Abbé, in the cemetery of Metz, -there are Graffs who would leap from their tombs if one of their -descendants were to demean himself so far as to marry the -daughter of a Lichtenbach!”</p> -<p>“Monsieur!” exclaimed the Abbé in -surprise.</p> -<p>“Then you do not know the Baradiers and Graffs, or you -would not propose to them an alliance with a Lichtenbach? Do you -know who Lichtenbach is? Between Lorraine and Paris, there is not -a mile of ground which has not been strewn with French blood, on -account of this wretch. A spy, to lead the enemy to victory; -food-supplier to the foe; when our troops were dying of hunger, -he fattened on war, and enriched himself on treason. He sold his -brothers of France—the Jews, who fought in our ranks and -died like brave soldiers, double Judas as he was! And after -receiving the reward for his treason, he turned Christian, and -set about defiling another religion, by the disgusting -intransigence of his apostate zeal! There you have a picture of -Lichtenbach, Monsieur l’Abbé. Must I now tell you -who Graff and Baradier are?”</p> -<p>“Oh, I know well, my dear sir! Your honour and -patriotism are universally respected. But what animosity <a -name="page340"></a><span class="pagenum">p. 340</span>and -rancour! Is this what I shall have to tell the one who sent -me?”</p> -<p>“Tell him he is an impudent rascal for having charged -such a man as yourself with such a mission. Tell him our scorn -for him is only equalled by his hatred against us. Assure him we -have not the slightest fear. If he wishes to slander us, we will -pay him back in the same coin; if he dares to strike us, we will -defend ourselves. In the latter case, let him be -careful!”</p> -<p>“Monsieur!” said the Abbé, in tones of -entreaty. “Reflect? Anger is a bad counsellor.”</p> -<p>“Monsieur l’Abbé, I am perfectly calm. You -do not know me. I never give way to passion. If I did, the result -would be terrible. But a great deal would be needed to bring -about such a state of things!”</p> -<p>“Must I then leave you without obtaining any result? I -am well aware that you are exposed to the most terrible -dangers.”</p> -<p>“I thank you for warning us. We shall be on our -guard.”</p> -<p>“Is that your last word?”</p> -<p>“No, Monsieur l’Abbé. Never has a priest -entered this house without taking away, for himself and his work, -a testimony of our respectful deference and humble -piety.”</p> -<p>Graff took from his pocket a cheque-book, wrote a few words, -and, handing the piece of paper to his visitor, said—</p> -<p>“For your poor parishioners, Monsieur -l’Abbé.”</p> -<p>“Oh!” exclaimed the priest. “This is -princely liberality. I will pray for you, monsieur, with all my -heart.”</p> -<p>“Thanks, Monsieur l’Abbé,” said -Graff, with a smile. “But pray, above all, for -Lichtenbach.”</p> -<p>And, opening the door, he conducted the priest out.</p> -<p>That same evening, about nine o’clock, after dinner, -Lichtenbach descended from his brougham, close to the <a -name="page341"></a><span class="pagenum">p. 341</span>entrance of -the Boulevard Maillat. It was a brilliant night, and the groves -in the Bois, under the silvery light of the moon, raised their -dark masses against the horizon. The banker hurried along, not -without some anxiety, for the spot was a deserted one, and a -likely haunt of undesirable characters. After walking about a -hundred yards, he halted in front of the ivy-covered gate of a -villa, and knocked. A few seconds passed, then a small door -turned on its hinges, and a woman appeared. It was Milona. -Recognizing the banker, she stepped backwards, without uttering a -word, and led the way into a garden in front of the house.</p> -<p>“Is madame at home?” asked Elias.</p> -<p>“She is expecting you,” said the Dalmatian, in -guttural accents.</p> -<p>“Good. Have the others arrived?”</p> -<p>“Yes; an hour ago.”</p> -<p>They proceeded along a flower-bed, the flowers of which gave -out fragrant odours on to the night air. The servant mounted a -flight of steps, followed by Lichtenbach. On reaching a dark -ante-chamber, Lichtenbach handed his overcoat and hat to Milona, -who opened a door, and out of the darkness he passed suddenly -into the light of the salon, the windows and curtains of which -were hermetically closed. Seated at a table, Hans and Agostini -were playing at piquet and drinking grog. On a divan Sophia -reclined, in an elegant white deshabillé. The two men -scarcely raised their heads on hearing Lichtenbach enter. The -Baroness slowly sat upright, nodded graciously, and -said—</p> -<p>“Sit down by my side. They are finishing their game. How -did you come? I did not hear the wheels of your -carriage.”</p> -<p>“I left it near the Porte Maillot.”</p> -<p>“What precautions! Can you not trust your -coachman?”</p> -<p><a name="page342"></a><span class="pagenum">p. -342</span>“I trust no one.”</p> -<p>“And suppose some night prowler had struck you to the -ground, to teach you not to walk about alone at night in these -parts?”</p> -<p>Elias raised the butt-end of a revolver from his pocket, and -said—</p> -<p>“I should have been able to speak to him in his own -language.”</p> -<p>“I see; then you never travel without an -interpreter?”</p> -<p>“I cannot let myself be murdered for a paltry twenty -francs; it would be altogether too stupid!”</p> -<p>The conversation was interrupted by an exclamation from -Cesare, who, in a passion, threw the cards down on to the table. -Hans laughed to himself, and made a rapid calculation on a piece -of paper.</p> -<p>“That makes thirty-five louis for you to pay. You have -lost fourteen hundred points!”</p> -<p>“It is enough to make one believe in the Evil -Eye!” growled the handsome Italian. “Ever since this -Marcel Baradier cast his eyes on me, I cannot touch a single card -without losing, at no matter what game!”</p> -<p>Glancing angrily in the direction of Sophia, he -said—</p> -<p>“This must come to an end!”</p> -<p>“Come, now, peace!” ordered Hans, authoritatively. -“What noise you make for nothing at all! What news have -you, father money-bags? Has your jesuit d’Escayrac seen our -friends?”</p> -<p>“He has. They refuse.”</p> -<p>“Refuse what? Be precise. Your daughter or our -affair?”</p> -<p>Elias changed colour, and his eyes flashed. However, neither -anger nor chagrin appeared from his voice.</p> -<p><a name="page343"></a><span class="pagenum">p. -343</span>“They refuse both alliance with me and -co-operation with you. Everything, in short!”</p> -<p>“Donnerwetter!” growled Hans. “Are they -mad?”</p> -<p>“No; they are aware that you have nothing, and they have -everything. This they prove by sending us about our -business.”</p> -<p>“You take all this very calmly,” exclaimed Count -Cesare. “I have seen you less resigned than you now -appear.”</p> -<p>“I am not in the habit of fighting windmills. You have -tricked me into an absurd and dangerous business; now I am simply -leaving it, that is all.”</p> -<p>“Leaving your feathers behind.”</p> -<p>“As you say. But as few as possible. I have already -turned round about and effected a counter-operation.”</p> -<p>“You rogue! You will end by earning money, where we lose -everything!” replied Agostini, pale with anger.</p> -<p>“If I do so, it is because I am not so stupid as you, -who can do nothing but spend it.”</p> -<p>Hans burst into a laugh. As Agostini seemed to be on the point -of losing his temper, he laid his hand on his arm, and forced him -to keep his seat.</p> -<p>“Old money-bags is right; but we must not act like -horses when there is no hay in the rack, and begin to fight. Let -us study the situation, and see what can be done. First of all, -what does the beauty say? Up to the present she has not spoken a -word. Still, she must have an opinion on the matter; we will -allow her to give it first.”</p> -<p>The Baroness appeared to awake from a reverie, and she said, -in disdainful tones—</p> -<p>“It is not my custom desperately to follow up -badly-conceived operations. You know what I have always told you -since the Vanves night: that there was an evil spell over the -whole affair. You will arrive at no successful end. <a -name="page344"></a><span class="pagenum">p. 344</span>After all, -you have obtained half of what you wanted—the war powder. -Follow the example Lichtenbach sets you. Give it up, and pass on -to something else.”</p> -<p>“Something else, indeed!” growled Hans. “No, -I shall not let go an affair which has cost me so dear. Some one -must pay me for the arm I have lost!”</p> -<p>“Well, what plan have you to offer?” asked the -Baroness, impatiently.</p> -<p>“You will arrange to strike up a fresh acquaintance with -Marcel Baradier. Bring me the young man here one of these -evenings. He knows the secret of the manufacture, and he shall -either give it up to you of his own free will, or I will -undertake to force him to do so.”</p> -<p>Lichtenbach’s hands trembled nervously. Sophia remained -impassive.</p> -<p>“Well, what do you say to my proposal?” asked -Hans, in jovial tones.</p> -<p>“I will have nothing further to do with the -matter!” declared the Baroness.</p> -<p>“Ah! take care!” exclaimed Agostini. “I know -why you refuse to help us against young Marcel. You are afraid -for him. That is the difficulty.”</p> -<p>“And what if it were so?”</p> -<p>Hans made no reply. He appeared to reflect deeply. Then, with -feigned good temper, he said—</p> -<p>“After all, you may be right. In any case, we can do -nothing without you.”</p> -<p>Lichtenbach heaved a sigh of satisfaction. The conciliating -attitude suddenly assumed by Hans seemed to be full of meaning. -Wishing to know what this terrible partner of his really thought, -he judged it useful to dissimulate his own ideas.</p> -<p>“Come, we will say nothing more on the matter! What this -affair has cost me I will pass through the profit <a -name="page345"></a><span class="pagenum">p. 345</span>and loss -account. Still, it is a pity we could not find that secret trick -of manipulation. There was a great deal of money to be earned by -it, after all!”</p> -<p>Hans bit his lips, but made no reply; whilst Agostini turned -gracefully round to Lichtenbach, and said—</p> -<p>“And my marriage? What is to become of it?”</p> -<p>“What has become of this affair of ours,” replied -Elias, roughly, “nothing. The one fell with the other! My -fine fellow, you have no longer a prospective dot. I took you -with the Trémont powder, and the only powder now left is -blinding dust!”</p> -<p>“Ah! You treat me in this way. I may give you reason to -repent it!”</p> -<p>“And if I wished, you would not be allowed in France -another twenty-four hours. Let us be going,” added -Lichtenbach; “it is already late.”</p> -<p>“We will accompany you to the toll-gate, for fear -something may happen to you. This quarter is not very safe at -nights. Good night, Sophia.”</p> -<p>“Good night.”</p> -<p>She held out her white hand, which her dreaded ally touched -with that iron hand of his, covered with a glove.</p> -<p>“May I not stay a few minutes, Sophia?” asked -Agostini.</p> -<p>“No,” said the Baroness, emphatically. “Good -night!”</p> -<p>Ringing the bell, Milona appeared.</p> -<p>“Show these gentlemen out, Milo.”</p> -<p>Silently they left the house, preceded by the Dalmatian, who -held a round lantern to light the way through the sinuous -turnings of the path leading to the little ivy-covered door. This -she opened, and then disappeared. They proceeded along the Avenue -Maillot in silence, each occupied with his own thoughts. Suddenly -Hans stopped, and said, in low accents—</p> -<p><a name="page346"></a><span class="pagenum">p. -346</span>“Sophia is tricking us. But things shall not -happen as she imagines. I pretended to give way, the better to -deceive her. Now this is what we will do. Cesare will send a -letter in a disguised hand-writing to young Marcel Baradier, -fixing a rendezvous at the Boulevard Maillot about ten -o’clock at night. I shall be there to receive him, with -others on whom I can rely, and I will undertake to introduce the -pigeon into the dovecot. Once there, Sophia must be forced to -employ her wiles, whether she will or not. It is the same plan I -mentioned just now, and which she refused. The only difference is -that I do not ask for her permission before putting it into -practice.”</p> -<p>“But suppose Baradier does not come?” said -Cesare.</p> -<p>“What? Not come? Can you imagine that he would not come -to a rendezvous fixed by the Baroness? He will fly to it at once. -And when we have him!”</p> -<p>“What will you do?” asked Lichtenbach, in -quivering accents.</p> -<p>“That is my own business. Just trust to me to loosen -this young man’s tongue!”</p> -<p>“Violence?”</p> -<p>“A mode of persuasion he cannot resist.”</p> -<p>“And suppose he denounces you on leaving the -house?”</p> -<p>“If only he will speak beforehand he will have plenty of -time to say what he wishes afterwards.”</p> -<p>Lichtenbach shuddered. He felt that Hans had made up his mind -to kill Marcel Baradier, and that the bandit was pursuing a -double end: possession of the secret, and revenge for his -mutilation.</p> -<p>“For the future,” he said, “I will have -nothing more to do with your actions, in which I repudiate all -share. I do not wish even to know the result of your attempt. You -seem to have gone mad!”</p> -<p>“Ah! don’t think we ever relied on you for -anything <a name="page347"></a><span class="pagenum">p. -347</span>else than an advance of funds?” said Count -Cesare, jeeringly. “To us you have been the hen which laid -the golden eggs; now that you have stopped laying, go your own -way!”</p> -<p>“No tricks with us, Lichtenbach,” said Hans. -“If we succeed, the Dalgetty patent will have its full -effect, you know; consequently you will share in the profits. -What you say now is only another instance of your hypocrisy; you -reject the responsibility, but are willing to accept the profits. -Very well, my friend, you shall have them!”</p> -<p>They had reached the spot where Lichtenbach’s carriage -stood. Agostini gracefully opened the door, saying—</p> -<p>“Good night, my prince, pleasant dreams!”</p> -<p>Meanwhile, M. Mayeur had acted in accordance with information -received from Baudoin and Colonel Vallenot. For a week now he had -known the details of Count Cesare’s life. Of very good -birth, belonging to an illustrious family, Signor Agostini had -been obliged to leave the Italian army after an affair of -honour.</p> -<p>Concerning Hans, nothing could be discovered. The Baroness had -been tracked, through Agostini, to her rooms in the Boulevard -Maillot. The hotel had been let furnished. She lived very -quietly, under the name of Madame de Frilas. M. Mayeur had sent -an intelligent agent to the Baron Grodsko at Nice, and obtained -from him full information concerning her.</p> -<p>Provided with his notes, M. Mayeur had returned to the War -Office to communicate them to Colonel Vallenot, and ask of him -the result of his personal investigations. Introduced at once -into the Minister’s cabinet, the magistrate had seen the -results of his examination confirmed by supplementary details. In -proportion as light was thrown on the personality of the -different actors in the drama, the gravity of the affair became -more and more evident. They discovered, beyond the faintest -shadow of doubt, that they had <a name="page348"></a><span -class="pagenum">p. 348</span>to deal with an association of -international espionage, which had been working for at least ten -years on behalf of foreign governments, probably exploiting them -in turn, and betraying them to the profit of one another.</p> -<p>It was possible that the whole of Europe had been duped by -these clever rascals. The least false step might alarm the -culprits and cause them to disappear! M. Mayeur grew pale at the -restraint placed on him. But how was it possible to neglect such -imperious political necessities? Colonel Vallenot was the first -to speak out clearly on the subject—</p> -<p>“From this moment, General, it is certain we hold the -Ténébreuse, as our agents call her. This is the -woman of whom I spoke to you at the outset of our investigations -some months ago, the one involved in the Cominges, Fontenailles -affairs, etc. We have only to order, and she is in our power. Is -it possible that we can let her escape?”</p> -<p>“It is these deuced formalists, with their -politics!” growled the old chief. “If the matter were -in my hands it should not be allowed to linger in this way. These -lawyers and quibblers astonish me! I only regain possession of -myself when in the midst of my officers. What do you say, -Monsieur le Juge?”</p> -<p>At that moment the door opened, and the porter brought a card -to Colonel Vallenot. The latter handed it to the Minister, who -exclaimed—</p> -<p>“Marcel Baradier! Show him in!”</p> -<p>The young man entered, bowed, and, addressing the General, -said—</p> -<p>“I undertook, General, to keep you <i>au courant</i> of -anything fresh that might happen. I have come to keep my -promise.”</p> -<p>“Very good, my friend, explain.”</p> -<p>“This morning, General, I received this -letter.”</p> -<p><a name="page349"></a><span class="pagenum">p. 349</span>He -placed on the desk a sheet of paper, which the Minister examined -attentively.</p> -<p>“No date, very common paper, an evidently counterfeit -handwriting, and no signature. Now let us see what it says: -‘If you wish to see once more the one who still loves you, -go to-night, at ten o’clock, to the Place de -l’Etoile, at the corner of the Avenue Hoche. A carriage -will be stationed there. Enter it, the coachman will ask no -questions, and will take you where you are -expected.’”</p> -<p>“Good. The classic mode of procedure, except that you -are not asked to submit to having your eyes bandaged. What have -you made up your mind to do?”</p> -<p>“I shall go to the rendezvous.”</p> -<p>“Ah, ah! Without the slightest apprehension?”</p> -<p>“That is another matter, General. All the same, I shall -go. I am determined to have the solution to this -enigma.”</p> -<p>The magistrate interrupted him in gentle tones—</p> -<p>“Permit me to remark, monsieur, that this resolution of -yours is an exceedingly imprudent one. Ninety-nine chances to a -hundred they are attempting to entrap you. Do not add to our -trouble by exposing yourself to danger for an uncertain -result.”</p> -<p>“If it is she who has written to me, I have nothing to -fear.”</p> -<p>“The deuce!” exclaimed the General. “You are -very affirmative!”</p> -<p>Marcel replied gently—</p> -<p>“You may have concerning this woman whatever opinion -your information has permitted you to form. False with the -others, she was truthful to me. She betrayed the rest. To me she -has been faithful and devoted.”</p> -<p>“Listen!” exclaimed the General. “He is -convinced of the truth of what he says. She persuades each and -every one of them that she is sincere, and they all believe -her!”</p> -<p><a name="page350"></a><span class="pagenum">p. -350</span>“I will run the risk!”</p> -<p>The old soldier brought down his fist on to the -desk—</p> -<p>“Well, you are a brave fellow! I like this obstinacy, -Vallenot. The deuce take me if I would not have done the same -thing at his age. Well, it is understood, go to the rendezvous. -But we, too, shall take precautionary measures to protect and -defend you, if necessary.”</p> -<p>“Oh! General, do nothing whatever, please! The slightest -intervention would ruin everything! If it is really Sophia who -has written the letter, I have no need of an escort or protection -of any kind. If it is a trap, those who have prepared it have -their eyes open, and will notice all your -preparations.”</p> -<p>“Do you know where the lady lives?” asked the -magistrate.</p> -<p>“No, sir; as you see, no address is given in the -letter.”</p> -<p>M. Mayeur then said in measured tones—</p> -<p>“My dear sir, your reasons are not bad ones at all. -True, I have recommended you to be prudent, but if you will go to -the rendezvous, go. Still, as we must always look at things from -a practical standpoint, what result do you expect to -obtain?”</p> -<p>“Monsieur,” said Marcel, gravely; “General -de Trémont was my friend; his death has not been avenged. -Our works have been fired; my uncle Graff, my servant, and myself -were almost burnt alive. This crime has not been punished, any -more than the assassination of Laforêt. I intend to throw -light on all these facts, though it be at the peril of my -life.”</p> -<p>“Very good, sir, all I can do is to wish you good -luck.”</p> -<p>Marcel bowed and shook hands with the three men.</p> -<p>“He is a true Baradier! But he is too -venturesome!”</p> -<p>As soon as the door was closed, M. Mayeur rose from his seat, -exclaiming—.</p> -<p><a name="page351"></a><span class="pagenum">p. -351</span>“Here is an opportunity, General, to seize all -these rascals at once. Of course, you know as well as I do that -it is their object to entice M. Baradier into the house in the -Boulevard Maillot, and there force him to give up his secret. -Just now you said that these villains must be induced to resist, -and then massacred. Without going to that extremity, we have now -an opportunity of simplifying the whole proceedings.”</p> -<p>“But you promised Marcel you would not interfere!” -said Colonel Vallenot.</p> -<p>“I don’t intend to interfere. He shall do as he -likes. But I cannot take no interest in these preparations, nor -will I, like young Baradier, be chivalrous with bandits. This is -my plan: The rendezvous is for ten o’clock. You know the -situation of the Boulevard Maillot; there is a ditch separating -it from the Bois de Boulogne. A splendid hiding-place to hide a -posse of police entering by the wood. I know a detective officer -who is as intelligent as he is determined. I shall give him -instructions to post himself there, and keep watch. In case M. -Baradier is right, and there is nothing to fear, my men will -simply have passed a night in the open-air. If he is mistaken -then the danger will be a real one. You heard him say that he -would be armed and ready to defend himself. At the first cry or -shot my men will invade the house. If they are threatened they -resist, if they are struck they will fire. Whether diplomacy -wishes or not, if the villains are caught in the act the matter -must take its course.”</p> -<p>“Whatever happens, do not let young Baradier be killed, -and above all try to lay hands on the woman.”</p> -<p>“What do you think of the plan, General?”</p> -<p>The old soldier looked at the magistrate, then at Vallenot. He -noticed the impassive countenance of the latter, and -replied—</p> -<p><a name="page352"></a><span class="pagenum">p. -352</span>“You need not ask for my advice. All these -judicial operations are out of my province. Act as you think -best; I have nothing to say.”</p> -<p>The magistrate shook his head, with a mocking smile; then, -taking up his hat, he said—</p> -<p>“Ah, I know what you mean! So long as the affair is not -over, no one wishes to have anything to do with it. If it -succeeds, then I shall be the only one to be left out of it all. -But that matters little. It is my duty, and I will not hesitate. -Your servant, General.”</p> -<p>And he left the room accompanied by Colonel Vallenot.</p> -<h3><a name="page353"></a><span class="pagenum">p. -353</span>CHAPTER V</h3> -<p><span class="smcap">It</span> was about half-past nine, and -Uncle Graff had dined in the Rue de Provènce as usual. -Baudoin approached him, and whispered in his ear—</p> -<p>“Two ladies have called, and one of them wishes to speak -to M. Marcel.”</p> -<p>“What kind of a woman is she?” asked the -uncle.</p> -<p>“A very respectable-looking person, sir. The other must -be a governess or a lady’s maid.”</p> -<p>“Where are they?”</p> -<p>“In the ante-chamber.”</p> -<p>“Turn on the electricity in my room, and show them -in.”</p> -<p>Baudoin did as he was ordered. Uncle Graff continued his -descent, murmuring to himself—</p> -<p>“Another of Marcel’s escapades! I wonder what it -is this time.”</p> -<p>On approaching his room he saw, standing by the door, a young -lady dressed in black, and wearing a veil. Uncle Graff’s -first impression was a favourable one. Pointing to a seat, he -said kindly—</p> -<p>“My nephew, madame, is not at home. Cannot -I—”</p> -<p>He was not allowed to finish the sentence. The young lady said -in beseeching tones—</p> -<p>“Monsieur, it is a question of life or death.”</p> -<p><a name="page354"></a><span class="pagenum">p. -354</span>“For whom?” asked Uncle Graff, -anxiously.</p> -<p>“For your nephew!”</p> -<p>“How have you been informed of this? And who are -you?”</p> -<p>The visitor replied immediately—</p> -<p>“I am Mademoiselle Lichtenbach, monsieur, and I place -myself entirely at your disposal.”</p> -<p>As she spoke she removed her veil. Uncle Graff, stupefied, -recognized the daughter of his enemy. She was pale and trembling, -but resolute.</p> -<p>“Who has sent you?” he asked.</p> -<p>“My father! He thought that if he came himself, perhaps -you would not receive him. At this very moment, perhaps, your -nephew is running the most serious danger. My father, who has -just received news of it, begged me to come and tell -you.”</p> -<p>“But how did he receive his information?” asked -Graff, suspiciously.</p> -<p>“Ah, monsieur! begin by taking the necessary measures to -help M. Marcel,” said Marianne, eagerly. “Afterwards -you may ask what questions you please.”</p> -<p>“At whose hands lies the peril?”</p> -<p>“At the hands of the same band which killed General de -Trémont. My father has been informed of these intrigues. -Act without losing a moment.”</p> -<p>“But what can we do?” exclaimed Uncle Graff, -carried away by the young lady’s eagerness.</p> -<p>“I will explain to you. Wait a moment.”</p> -<p>Passing her hand over her forehead, she said in piteous -accents—</p> -<p>“Yes, that was it. A woman he knew at Ars.”</p> -<p>“The Italian?”</p> -<p>“Yes, doubtless. He loved her, and they knew he would be -pleased to see her again.”</p> -<p><a name="page355"></a><span class="pagenum">p. 355</span>She -paused. The pallor of her face increased. What she was relating -seemed to torture her.</p> -<p>“So they wrote to him to fix a rendezvous. And they are -expecting him this very evening, in a solitary out-of-the-way -house. But he will not find the one he expects to meet, but, -instead, a band of villains, determined to employ the most -violent measures to force him to reveal a secret that they cannot -fathom. Now do you understand?”</p> -<p>“Yes. ‘Where is this house?”</p> -<p>“See, here is the address written on this piece of -paper.”</p> -<p>Graff read—</p> -<p>“Boulevard Maillot, 16 bis. And you say that he was -expected there about ten o’clock?”</p> -<p>As though in obedience to his words, the timepiece struck the -hour at the very instant.</p> -<p>Graff rang the bell. Baudoin appeared.</p> -<p>“Quick, Baudoin, a carriage! You will accompany me. Have -you a good revolver?”</p> -<p>“Yes, sir.”</p> -<p>“Then bring it with you. Do not say a word to any one. I -will rejoin you in the yard. Ten o’clock! We will be there, -all the same, and if they have harmed the child, let them -beware!”</p> -<p>Baudoin had already left the room. Marianne, motionless, -watched Uncle Graff make his preparations. He took up a bundle of -bank-notes, a revolver, and a heavy steel-headed stick. Then he -appeared to remember that Mademoiselle Lichtenbach was in the -room. Coming up to her, he said kindly—</p> -<p>“My child, I thank you for the service.”</p> -<p>“Oh, monsieur!” exclaimed Marianne, her eyes -gleaming with suppressed tears; “save him, that is the main -thing!”</p> -<p><a name="page356"></a><span class="pagenum">p. -356</span>“He shall be informed, mademoiselle, of what you -have risked for his sake. I know what this errand must have cost -you.”</p> -<p>Marianne smiled sadly.</p> -<p>“I am returning to-morrow to the convent, doubtless for -ever. Life is full of sadness and pain.”</p> -<p>Graff waited no longer, but rushed out into the street, as the -brougham of Mademoiselle Lichtenbach vanished in the distance. -Baudoin was standing near the cab. Graff leapt into the carriage -and said—</p> -<p>“To the Porte Maillot! You, Baudoin, mount with me. I -want to speak to you.”</p> - -<div class="gapspace"> </div> -<p>Marcel had never felt so calm as on the evening he made his -way towards the Place de l’Etoile.</p> -<p>When he entered the carriage it immediately started off along -the Avenue de la Grande-Armée, wheeled round at the Porte -Maillot, and, after a two minutes’ further run, came to a -halt in a dark-looking avenue, near a garden gate. Marcel stepped -out, and the carriage disappeared. A small door, hidden in the -ivy, was now opened, and a valet in livery appeared. Marcel -followed him in the direction of a house which raised its sombre -mass in front. A single light shone from a window on the first -floor. Mounting a flight of steps, he entered an ante-chamber. -Suddenly an exclamation was heard in the next apartment, a rapid -step was heard, a door overhung with tapestry was flung open, and -Sophia, her face convulsed by the violence of her emotion, -appeared. Her looks expressed the terror she felt, but not a word -did she utter. Taking Marcel by the wrist, she drew him into the -room she had just left—a bedroom—quickly turned the -key in the lock, bolted another door, and, seizing the young man -in her arms, whispered in his ear—</p> -<p><a name="page357"></a><span class="pagenum">p. -357</span>“Wretched man that you are! How did you come -here?”</p> -<p>At the same time, and without appearing to be able to help -herself, her lips sought Marcel’s neck, and she kissed him -with a delirious rapture.</p> -<p>“Then it was not you who summoned me?”</p> -<p>“I! <i>Grand Dieu</i>! I would give ten years of my life -if you were anywhere but in this house at this moment. Ah! the -wretches! They have deceived me!”</p> -<p>“Who are the wretches you speak of?” asked Marcel, -firmly.</p> -<p>“Ah! Do not question me! I cannot, must not, -speak!”</p> -<p>“Are you jesting?” said Marcel, ironically.</p> -<p>“Poor child! You do not know them!”</p> -<p>“Madame, is your brother among them?”</p> -<p>She laid her hands on his mouth, those beautiful white hands, -and he remained silent. Then, clasping him to her breast with -passionate ardour, her eyes filled with tears—she stammered -out—</p> -<p>“Oh! Marcel, Marcel!”</p> -<p>A sudden pallor came over her; she clung to him to prevent -herself from falling, and her shapely head, with its wealth of -raven hair, lay on the shoulder of the one she loved with -hopeless passion.</p> -<p>A sharp knock on the door brought them back to the reality of -life.</p> -<p>“Listen!” said Sophia.</p> -<p>She drew near the door, asked a short question in a foreign -language, and received an immediate reply. Apparently reassured, -she opened the door, saying to Marcel—</p> -<p>“It is Milo.”</p> -<p><a name="page358"></a><span class="pagenum">p. -358</span>Milona entered, and the door was carefully closed -again.</p> -<p>“Have they sent you?” asked Sophia.</p> -<p>“Yes, mistress.”</p> -<p>“What do they want?”</p> -<p>“To come to an understanding with you.”</p> -<p>“I shall not go.”</p> -<p>“They have provided for that contingency.”</p> -<p>“Well?”</p> -<p>“They have told me to repeat to you their demands from -the young master.”</p> -<p>“Silence! I do not wish him to know them!”</p> -<p>“Would you rather they mount the stairs and kill -him?”</p> -<p>A deep silence followed. Sophia twisted about her arms, and -groaned in despair. Her beautiful features were convulsed by -powerless rage and exasperated dismay. Grinding her teeth, she -flew to the mantel-piece, seized a short, sharp dagger, which she -brandished aloft with a terrible skill.</p> -<p>“Milo, you will not abandon me?”</p> -<p>“Never! I will die for you, that you know -well!”</p> -<p>“Marcel is armed; so we are three! Oh! I will defend him -with my last breath!”</p> -<p>“Against them?” said Milona. “Can you hope -to do such a thing? It would be impossible to resist them. They -are all waiting below, in the dining-room, ready for -anything!”</p> -<p>“Oh! <i>Mon Dieu</i>! How mad I am! Do I not know them? -Oh! Marcel, why did you place yourself at their mercy?”</p> -<p>Flinging her poniard on to the ground, she sat down, overcome -with emotion, buried her head in her hands, and <a -name="page359"></a><span class="pagenum">p. 359</span>burst into -tears. Marcel, turning to the Dalmatian, asked, in calm -accents—</p> -<p>“Tell me, in a word, what it is they want from -me?”</p> -<p>Milona cast a questioning glance at her mistress. As Sophia -made no sign, the servant explained—</p> -<p>“They want the famous secret, which will give value to -the powder they stole from you!”</p> -<p>Marcel smiled, and then frowned in disdain.</p> -<p>“Ah! that is what is puzzling them. I am glad to know -that they have not succeeded in discovering what they were so -interested in knowing. Milona, you may tell them that they will -never learn it from me!”</p> -<p>“We shall see about that before long!” exclaimed -Agostini, passionately, from behind the door.</p> -<p>“Ah! you are listening, you villain?” said Marcel, -in vibrating tones. “I am very pleased to know it, for such -a procedure simplifies things considerably! Tell your acolytes -that I am not afraid of them; I have in my hand a revolver which -will answer for the lives of six men. If they like, I will open -the door, and the dance shall begin.”</p> -<p>“Take time for reflection!” replied a deep, -guttural voice—that of Hans. “Do not do anything -stupid!”</p> -<p>“Who is that?” asked Marcel. “He does not -appear so stupid as the others.”</p> -<p>“One would think you know us!” railed the bandit. -“Patience! We will give you half an hour in which to -decide. If, within thirty minutes, you have not given us -satisfaction, I will undertake to make you speak. The night is -damp—there is a good fire below!”</p> -<p>Steps were now heard descending the staircase. Milona silently -left the room, and Marcel and Sophia remained <a -name="page360"></a><span class="pagenum">p. 360</span>alone. The -time-piece pointed to ten minutes past ten.</p> -<p>“You heard them,” said Sophia. “Now you know -what they propose to do. They want your secret.”</p> -<p>“Very well! I have told them they shall not have -it!”</p> -<p>Looking at the young woman, he saw that a shudder came over -her. Laying his hand on her shoulder, he added—</p> -<p>“But I wish to know yours.”</p> -<p>“Mine?” exclaimed the young woman, with a -terrified gesture.</p> -<p>“Yes! Who and what are you?”</p> -<p>She smiled sadly.</p> -<p>“A broken-hearted woman who loves you!”</p> -<p>“Empty words! You say you love me. The only proof of -this confession I ask for is that you be sincere with -me.”</p> -<p>Hiding her face in her hands, she exclaimed—</p> -<p>“Never! You would hate me if I told you!”</p> -<p>“Then it is true that you are the most abominable -creature on earth?”</p> -<p>“Oh! my darling, do not insult me!”</p> -<p>“You will not speak? Then I will ask your accomplices -downstairs. I imagine it will be a pleasure to them to give me -information about you.”</p> -<p>He started towards the door. She leapt forward. “Madman! -You do not know the danger you are running! Stay here by my -side.”</p> -<p>He looked steadily into her eyes, and asked -again—“Who are you?”</p> -<p>She groaned.</p> -<p>“Why are you so pitiless?”</p> -<p>“If you do not speak, it is because you are well aware -<a name="page361"></a><span class="pagenum">p. 361</span>that my -scorn for you would be so great, that nothing but disgust would -remain in my memory from this past happiness!”</p> -<p>She stood up, and proudly answered—</p> -<p>“Poor Marcel, you are mistaken—you would still -love me. If I pleased, nothing could withdraw you from -me!”</p> -<p>She looked at him as she spoke, and under the influence of her -glance Marcel felt all his resolutions melt away, a feeling of -languor came over him, and he lost the faculty of will-power.</p> -<p>“Death is all around us,” she whispered. -“Let us forget everything. Do not think any more, my -love—leave your poor tortured heart in peace.”</p> -<p>Suddenly a sound of footsteps was heard throughout the house, -and cries coming from outside. Then came a sound as though a door -had been torn from its hinges, followed by a revolver-shot. At -the same time was heard a voice, which Marcel knew well.</p> -<p>“Help! Baudoin, help!”</p> -<p>Then another shot, followed by a volley of oaths. Marcel, on -his feet, exclaimed—</p> -<p>“It is my uncle Graff! <i>Mon Dieu</i>! They are killing -him!”</p> -<p>“Stay here, do not stir!” said Sophia, in -beseeching tones.</p> -<p>He made no reply, but rushed forward into the corridor, found -the staircase, and, in the semi-darkness, saw in the hall, on the -ground floor, a group of three men, in a hand-to-hand conflict -with Graff, who, half-stifled, and encircled by their arms, was -trying in vain to make use of his revolver. In front of the -entrance-door Hans and Baudoin were engaged in a fierce struggle. -The brave servant had his forehead gashed open, and the blood was -flowing freely, <a name="page362"></a><span class="pagenum">p. -362</span>but he had obtained a firm hold on his terrible -opponent, and succeeded in holding him harmless for the -moment.</p> -<p>Standing above the balustrade, Marcel took aim at one of the -three men who were strangling his uncle. A flash followed, and -the man fell. At the same moment a shot was heard behind Marcel, -and a ball whizzed past his ear. Turning round, he found himself -face to face with Agostini, who was preparing to repeat the shot. -With a sudden blow he dashed aside the weapon, seized the Italian -by the waist, and, his strength doubled by the fury and rage -which now possessed him, raised him in the air, and flung him -over the rails of the staircase.</p> -<p>At this exploit, Hans, powerless to strike Marcel, who was -descending the steps four at a time, gave a howl of fury. He -shook Baudoin with such energy that he forced him to abandon his -hold. Then he placed him under his knee, and his iron arm was -already raised to deal the deathblow, when Marcel rushed to the -rescue with a terrible blow in the body, which hurled the -colossus to the ground. He immediately rose to his feet, however, -and, taking up a position in a corner, shouted out -aloud—</p> -<p>“Help! Here, you others! Help!”</p> -<p>But the others had by this time too much to do. The police, -attracted by the firing, invaded the house. Uncle Graff, at -liberty, now came up with his revolver. But Baudoin, in hoarse -tones, exclaimed—</p> -<p>“Monsieur Graff, leave him to me—he is mine! It is -he who killed my General!”</p> -<p>He then took from the old man’s hand his steel-headed -stick, disdaining a firearm, which would have made the combat -unequal, and fell upon Hans. The bandit swore frightfully on -seeing that all was lost; he struck a blow with his iron fist, -but Baudoin lightly stepped aside. Then the stick whizzed through -the air, and the steel head descended. <a -name="page363"></a><span class="pagenum">p. 363</span>Hans, -struck on the temple, rolled over the flag-stones, and fell like -an ox to the ground. This was a signal for a general rout. The -three men who still resisted now leapt through the open windows, -and vanished like shadows into the garden.</p> -<p>“All escape is cut off; do not trouble about -them,” exclaimed the head detective. “Let us see -after the wounded and the dead.”</p> -<p>Uncle Graff wished to take Marcel into his arms, question him, -and assure himself that he was safe and sound; but, on turning -round, he found Baudoin wiping away with his handkerchief the -blood and perspiration flowing from his forehead. Marcel, as soon -as the issue of the struggle left no room for doubt, had -immediately thought of Sophia. Now that danger for him had -disappeared, it loomed forth with a terrible aspect for her. The -police, who had restored the situation by intervening to save -him, would now appear on the scene for her ruin. He mounted the -stairs more quickly than he had descended, for he felt that the -time in which anything could be done was short indeed.</p> -<p>Rushing into the room, the door of which was still open, he -drew the bolts on Sophia with as much fear and solicitude as she -had drawn them on himself. She had remained standing, leaning -pensively against the mantelpiece, as though devoid of interest -in what was taking place on the floor beneath. Milona stood by -her side; she had doubtless told her of the defeat of her -companions. Marcel, in terrified ardour, rushed up to her.</p> -<p>“The house is in the hands of the police, do you not -know? Why are you still here?”</p> -<p>“I was waiting for you,” replied Sophia, calmly. -“But it means ruin to you!”</p> -<p>“How does that affect you?”</p> -<p>“I will not consent to it! I cannot endure the idea <a -name="page364"></a><span class="pagenum">p. 364</span>that you -should suffer threatenings and torture for having defended -me.”</p> -<p>A light came into Sophia’s face.</p> -<p>“Then will you still allow me to see you?”</p> -<p>He replied, firmly—</p> -<p>“Impossible! After what has taken place between us, I -must never see you again! I cannot, I must not! For your own -sake!”</p> -<p>Her tranquil, careless look returned.</p> -<p>“Then leave me to my fate!”</p> -<p>“No! I will not do that! You, ruined on my account, -when— Will you torture my thoughts by the frightful memory -of the past?”</p> -<p>“Oh, Marcel, if I could only please you! If you would -only love me! How dearly I would pay you for such -happiness!”</p> -<p>She smiled. Tears filled her eyes, and she looked so beautiful -that a shudder ran through his whole body. Turning aside, he -said—</p> -<p>“Wretched woman! what will become of you?”</p> -<p>She showed him a ring, the bezel of which was made of a bead -of chased gold.</p> -<p>“Look at this bead of gold; it contains liberty and -death at the same time. Pour its contents into a glass of water, -and all is over, without suffering.”</p> -<p>She stretched out her hand towards a tray containing a bowl of -water and a glass.</p> -<p>“I forbid you!” cried Marcel, dismayed.</p> -<p>She looked at him with a terrible intensity, whilst her face -shone with superhuman ardour.</p> -<p>“Nothing without you!” she said. “Everything -with you! Decide!”</p> -<p>“Impossible!”</p> -<p>With a sorrowful smile, she continued—</p> -<p><a name="page365"></a><span class="pagenum">p. -365</span>“Reflect! You know what I am. If you wish, I will -live, but only to be yours. I will come whenever you want me, and -will not trouble you in any way. Oh! every expiation and -sacrifice, every grief and pain imaginable, to be yours once -more!”</p> -<p>Steps were heard mounting the staircase. Marcel, -terror-struck, said—</p> -<p>“They are coming! They will take you! If you wish to -save your life, leave the room at once!”</p> -<p>“Let them come! They will only take me if I am willing. -I have nothing to fear from any other than yourself. Do you wish -me to live? Swear that you will see me again!”</p> -<p>At that supreme moment the pale faces of General de -Trémont and poor Laforêt, of Agostini, dead, and -Hans, lying on the blood-stained stone, rose before -Marcel’s imagination, and an insurmountable horror came -over him. He bent his head without a word. A slight noise of -something touching glass caused him to look up. He saw Sophia -drinking the poison. Rushing up, he dashed from her hands the -empty glass. Smiling, she said—</p> -<p>“Too late!”</p> -<p>“Open! Open!” exclaimed several voices behind the -door.</p> -<p>Sophia found sufficient strength to say—</p> -<p>“Open now, Milona!”</p> -<p>The Dalmatian obeyed. A veil came over Sophia’s eyes, -her cheeks turned deadly pale. Milona, terrified, fell to the -ground, her dark, dishevelled hair falling round her face like a -funeral veil.</p> -<p>“Where is the woman?” shouted M. Mayeur from the -staircase, as he came on the scene, panting and triumphant. -“She has not been allowed to escape, I hope!”</p> -<p><a name="page366"></a><span class="pagenum">p. 366</span>He -appeared, accompanied by Graff, and stood, as though petrified, -on the threshold.</p> -<p>Marcel, pointing to Sophia, who had just breathed her last, -said—</p> -<p>“Here she is!”</p> -<p>The Ténébreuse, ever elusive, had this time -taken refuge in the darkness of eternal night.</p> -<h3><a name="page367"></a><span class="pagenum">p. -367</span>CHAPTER VI</h3> -<p><span class="smcap">The</span> affray of the Boulevard Maillot -was prudently passed over as a drama founded on jealousy. Two men -quarrelling over a woman, and the rivals killing one another over -the corpse of the fair one—such was the account furnished -to the reporters. Imagination did the rest. Paris dwelt with -passionate interest for twelve hours on this magnificent -butchery, the horrors of which were described all the better from -the fact that no one had been admitted to see them. M. Mayeur -alone made a complete search all over the house, but discovered -nothing calculated to throw any light on the identity of Hans. -Neither the anthropometric service nor the most experienced -detectives could find out the slightest indication as to the -mysterious personality of the dreaded bandit. Certainly he was -the same man whose arm had been carried off at Vanves, when he -had appeared there with Sophia, on the evening the -General’s house had been destroyed. But what was he -besides? The international police, on being questioned, said -nothing. Either they knew nothing, or were unwilling to give -information.</p> -<p>Sophia and Agostini were identified. The Princes of Briviesca -undertook to inform the magistrate concerning the one member of -their family they were well pleased to see themselves rid of. -Count Grodsko could relate nothing more than he had already told -to the agent who had questioned him at Monte Carlo. The examining -magistrate <a name="page368"></a><span class="pagenum">p. -368</span>enraged at finding nothing, thought for a moment of -bringing a charge against Lichtenbach. He summoned him to his -study, questioned him, and tried to obtain from Baradier and -Graff revelations concerning him. But the former would not -impeach, as was expected, their old enemy. Rivalry in business -affairs, quibbles in banking relations, but nothing legally -guilty. If a charge could be brought on these heads, then they -would be obliged to surround the Place de la Bourse, from twelve -to three every day, and arrest all who were raising those -frightful cries beneath its columns. Besides, the highest circles -had immediately interceded in favour of Lichtenbach, and the -examining magistrate saw at once that he was on a wrong track. -Accordingly, this time the Vanves affair was definitely shelved, -and classed amongst the legal mysteries of the year.</p> -<p>But though these tragic events were not destined to have any -material consequences for Lichtenbach, serious moral results -rapidly followed. Within a week following the death of Agostini -and Sophia, Mademoiselle Lichtenbach entered the Convent des -Augustines of the Rue Saint Jacques. She had had a -two-hours’ conversation with her father. Pale, but -determined, she was seen to leave her father’s study. Elias -followed her, trembling, and with bowed head, tears streaming -down his cheeks. On the landing he tried to stop his daughter, -and stretched out his hands beseechingly as he -stammered—</p> -<p>“My child, do not be inexorable; have pity on -me!”</p> -<p>Marianne bowed her head as she replied—</p> -<p>“I wish I could, father; but how will you redeem the -past?”</p> -<p>Without turning round, she descended the stone staircase, at -the foot of which the carriage was waiting to conduct her to the -Rue Saint Jacques. A moan of pain escaped the old man’s -lips as he leaned over the iron balustrade. For a <a -name="page369"></a><span class="pagenum">p. 369</span>moment he -seemed as though he would fling himself over. Then he cried out -in heart-piercing accents—</p> -<p>“Marianne! Marianne!”</p> -<p>She raised her head. Stretching out his hands, he -groaned—</p> -<p>“You are the only one I have left in the world! Will you -forget your father?”</p> -<p>The young girl shook her head sadly, but did not give in. What -terrible explanation could have taken place between father and -daughter? What had Lichtenbach been forced to confess, for -Marianne to show herself so inexorable? She made the sign of the -cross, as though to strengthen her fainting heart. The pallor of -her face increased, though she replied in firm accents—</p> -<p>“I shall not forget you, father. I will pray for -you.”</p> -<p>She mounted the carriage, a rolling of wheels was heard, then -followed a long silence. Lichtenbach returned slowly to his room, -and sank down in a reverie.</p> -<p>All the same, he did not give up business. On the contrary, he -seemed to show a greater ardour than before for finance. His -position on the Explosives settled, he regained the ground he had -lost by a formidable campaign on gold mines. Never had his -speculations been more brilliant or lucky than they were during -the six months following his daughter’s departure. One -would have thought that his grief had brought him good fortune, -for everything succeeded which he undertook. All the same, -nothing seemed to give him pleasure, and he changed greatly in -physique. No longer could he mount the steps of the Bourse -without halting for breath. Society had no further attractions -for him.</p> -<p>One winter evening, the <i>valet de chambre</i>, as he entered -his master’s room, found Elias leaning over his desk, -apparently asleep. Calling him by name, he received no reply. <a -name="page370"></a><span class="pagenum">p. 370</span>Terrified, -he drew nearer, and touched his master. The banker remained -motionless, whilst his hand clasped a short letter from his -daughter. The few words he had been reading were still moist with -the tears he had shed. He was dead, a victim to the only -sentiment by which he had ever been vulnerable; the love of a -father.</p> -<p>Six months later, at twilight, in the study of the Rue de -Provènce, Uncle Graff and Marcel were seated together. -After signing all the letters for the evening’s post, -Baradier had retired to his own room.</p> -<p>The darkness gradually deepened, and uncle and nephew, seated -in their armchairs, without a word, looked like vague, uncertain -silhouettes. The clerks had all left, and silence reigned -around.</p> -<p>“Are you asleep, Uncle Graff?” asked Marcel.</p> -<p>“No; I was just thinking.”</p> -<p>“What about?”</p> -<p>“About all that has happened the past twelve months. It -is no mere trifle!”</p> -<p>“No, indeed. And what is the result of your -reflections?”</p> -<p>“That we have had the most extraordinary luck; we had to -deal with enemies who seemed destined to triumph over us time -after time; and that we have manifestly been protected by a -divine providence.”</p> -<p>“Uncle Graff, you are rather illogical; extraordinary -luck on the one hand, and divine providence on the other. They do -not go very well together.”</p> -<p>“Oh, you are too sceptical. It is your generation which -makes you so. You no longer believe in anything.”</p> -<p>“I do not believe in chance, no!” said Marcel, -ironically. Then he added, in tones of sudden gravity, “But -I believe in the firm, steadfast will of human beings. If we <a -name="page371"></a><span class="pagenum">p. 371</span>have been -protected, as you say truly enough, it is because it was so -willed. But for that—”</p> -<p>Silence followed. The darkness had now become complete.</p> -<p>“It was so willed,” repeated Uncle Graff. -“You are alluding to that woman?”</p> -<p>“I am alluding to ‘that woman.’ It was she -who defeated the plans of her acolytes, and saved me.”</p> -<p>“Because she loved you?”</p> -<p>“Because she loved me.”</p> -<p>“Well, then, tell me what passed between you for a woman -of this stamp to sacrifice herself for a man she first intended -to dupe, and afterwards to rob. For you cannot doubt the fact -that she had plans concerning you?”</p> -<p>“I am quite aware of the fact.”</p> -<p>“She had had considerable experience in life, and -yet—”</p> -<p>“And yet she fell in love with a young man like myself. -Well, probably because I was a change from all her other -acquaintances. A cup of milk to a drunken man, for -instance.”</p> -<p>“And she killed herself for your sake, under your very -eyes?”</p> -<p>“Yes, Uncle Graff, because I would not promise to see -her again.”</p> -<p>“And yet you loved her?”</p> -<p>“I both loved and hated her. Had I seen her again she -would have obtained renewed dominion over me and ruined me. I -determined it should not be so.”</p> -<p>Uncle Graff sighed—</p> -<p>“And do you sometimes think of this woman?”</p> -<p>“Always.”</p> -<p>“Do you know what you ought to do now, if you wish to -turn over a new leaf?”</p> -<p><a name="page372"></a><span class="pagenum">p. -372</span>“I know very well, my father spoke to me -yesterday. And it is doubtless because I received his overtures -coolly, that you are now returning to the same -subject.”</p> -<p>“You are right, my child. If you would only marry, now -that you are reasonable and settled in life.”</p> -<p>“Marry Geneviève de Trémont?”</p> -<p>“Yes. She is the wife your father and mother have always -intended for you. It would give them great pleasure, if you would -marry her.”</p> -<p>After a moment’s silence, Marcel said—</p> -<p>“When Mademoiselle Lichtenbach came to warn you that a -snare had been set for me, was she excited?”</p> -<p>“Greatly excited.”</p> -<p>“And you thought, when you saw her, that this -extraordinary emotion was caused by some special interest she -took in myself. At any rate, you said so to me.”</p> -<p>“Certainly. I promised I would tell you. Besides, the -child pleased me. She was anything but commonplace. And her -determination the following morning confirmed the good opinion I -had formed of her.”</p> -<p>“Her resolve to enter the convent?”</p> -<p>“You are right.”</p> -<p>“In a word, then, Mademoiselle Lichtenbach has abjured -the world for my sake. This child will have been recompensed for -her devoted tenderness by the loss of everything happy and -pleasant life had in store for her; and she is now destined to -die poor; wearing a nun’s robe, with shorn hair, attending -to the wants of the destitute?”</p> -<p>“Yes.”</p> -<p>“Uncle Graff, in your opinion, are children responsible -for the misdeeds of their parents?”</p> -<p>The old man did not reply.</p> -<p>“You do not reply,” urged Marcel. “My -question troubles you?”</p> -<p><a name="page373"></a><span class="pagenum">p. -373</span>“It troubles me greatly. One day, in this very -room, I told an envoy of Lichtenbach’s, who made us an -offer of the hand of his daughter for you, that all the Graffs -would rise in their graves if a Baradier were to marry a -Lichtenbach.”</p> -<p>“What!” exclaimed Marcel, greatly agitated. -“Such an offer has been made, and you never informed me of -it?”</p> -<p>“What would have been the use? You know how we felt just -then for me to have given such an emphatic and stupid reply. Your -father—Oh! I believe he would have preferred to see you in -your grave rather than married to a Lichtenbach. Just think of -it! The General had just been killed—the works were still -in flames! No, no! It was impossible.”</p> -<p>“But now, Uncle Graff?”</p> -<p>“What! Can you think of such a thing?” asked the -sentimental old fellow, in trembling accents.</p> -<p>“I think of it so much,” said Marcel, firmly, -“that if Mademoiselle Lichtenbach does not consent to -become my wife I will never marry another.”</p> -<p>At that moment a slight sound was heard, and the door -closed.</p> -<p>“Who is there?” asked Graff, eagerly.</p> -<p>“Do not excite yourself,” said the voice of -Baradier.</p> -<p>“Were you listening?”</p> -<p>“No; I have just come. But I heard your last words. How -long are you going to remain in this darkness?”</p> -<p>At the same moment he turned on the electric light. The three -men looked at one another for a moment; they were very grave and -serious, but a look of contentment was visible on their -countenances. Baradier did not bow his head with that obstinate -mien his son and brother-in-law knew so well. He was perfectly -self-possessed. Sitting down at his desk, he said—</p> -<p>“What difference would there be between us and mere <a -name="page374"></a><span class="pagenum">p. 374</span>nobodies or -good-for-nothings if we were incapable of showing gratitude? It -is not sufficient to appear honest and delicate in the eyes of -the world—one must be without the slightest reproach before -one’s own conscience.”</p> -<p>He fixed on his son a look of perfect satisfaction, though his -face paled with the emotion which had taken possession of -him.</p> -<p>“Marcel has spoken like a real Baradier or Graff. We -must do as he has said.”</p> -<p>At these simple words the three men quivered, consecrating as -they did their successor with the worthy renown of his -predecessors. Tears of joy and pride shone in his uncle’s -eyes. Marcel, without a word, flung himself into his -father’s arms.</p> - -<div class="gapspace"> </div> -<p style="text-align: center">THE END</p> -<p style="text-align: center">PRINTED BY WILLIAM CLOWES AND SONS, -LIMITED, LONDON AND BECCLES.</p> -<pre> - - - - -***END OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE WOMAN OF MYSTERY*** - - -***** This file should be named 69149-h.htm or 69149-h.zip****** - - -This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: -http://www.gutenberg.org/dirs/6/9/1/4/69149 - - - -Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions will -be renamed. - -Creating the works from print editions not protected by U.S. copyright -law means that no one owns a United States copyright in these works, -so the Foundation (and you!) can copy and distribute it in the -United States without permission and without paying copyright -royalties. 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