“It is an attractive programme, and I am a little tired of this cockloft,” answered Bruslart.  “How is it to be managed?”

“In an hour I will be back with all that is necessary to alter your dress and appearance.  In two hours you may commence your journey.”

“Very well, my good Legrand, I shall expect you in an hour.”

“Yes, but the money,” said the doctor.  “I run a risk, and my friend must also be paid.”

“Anything that is reasonable.”

“Oh, it is reasonable.”

“What is the figure?” Bruslart asked.

“I think I can arrange everything if you give me the fee I was to have had for the papers you expected me to bring this morning.”

“Nonsense, Legrand.  That fee is nearly half of my fortune.”

“Mademoiselle’s fortune,” corrected Legrand.

The two men looked at each other, and understood each other well.  Bruslart knew that the doctor was quite prepared to betray him if he did not come to his terms.  Legrand knew that Bruslart was in dire straits, and that once in the hands of the Convention his doom was sealed.  In one sense the doctor was the more honest of the two.  He could do what he said with every prospect of success, and was prepared to fulfill his bargain to the letter.  Bruslart was already planning how he could overreach his companion.

“It is a monstrous price to pay.”

“It saves you from the guillotine,” answered Legrand.

“Very well, I’ll pay it,” said Bruslart, after a moment’s thought.

“Quickly, then.  I will go at once.  Give me the money.”

“A bargain is a bargain, my good doctor, and I do not part with my money until you have completed your work.  I shall expect you in an hour.”

Legrand hesitated.

“I cannot get away,” said Bruslart, “but there is a possibility that you might not return.”

“You are over careful,” was the answer.

“I have my head to consider,” Bruslart laughed.  “No man pays the doctor before he has taken his physic.”

The doctor laughed too, it was the only way to deal with such a man, and departed.  Bruslart could not escape him.  The money was already as good as in his hands.  Bruslart once out of Paris, Legrand could answer any question the officers of the Convention might put to him.  He had done as Citizen Bruslart had commanded him, what else could he have done?  Monsieur Fouquier-Tinville and others could not say much, they were too interested in his establishment.  Besides, although mademoiselle had escaped from his house, it was most unlikely that she could leave Paris.  She would be found.

Bruslart locked his door when the doctor had gone.  Before the doctor he had shown no anger, no agitation, but alone, he was like an animal caught in a trap.  For this money he had schemed, lied, and betrayed an innocent woman; he had just enough conscience to hate the remembrance of all he had done, and now half the reward of his treachery was to be filched from him.  For a moment he was tempted to go before Legrand returned, but he was afraid.  Legrand had the whip hand of him.  Could he cheat him?  The opportunity might come at the last moment.  How could it be done?