“There is not a shadow of doubt, monsieur,” he said, as soon as they were alone, “this young man has robbed you.  It would be a gross neglect of duty if I did not secure his person.  The law will decide whether he shall be released, or sent to prison.”

The declaration seemed to distress the banker.

He sank into a chair, and murmured: 

“Poor Prosper!”

Seeing the astonished look of his listener, he added: 

“Until to-day, monsieur, I have always had the most implicit faith in his honesty, and would have unhesitatingly confided my fortune to his keeping.  Almost on my knees have I besought and implored him to confess that in a moment of desperation he had taken the money, promising him pardon and forgetfulness; but I could not move him.  I have loved him; and even now, in spite of the trouble and humiliation that he is bringing upon me, I cannot bring myself to feel harshly toward him.”

The commissary looked as if he did not understand.

“What do you mean by humiliation, monsieur?”

“What!” said M. Fauvel, excitedly; “is not justice the same for all?  Because I am the head of a bank, and he only a clerk, does it follow that my word is more to be relied upon than his?  Why could I not have robbed myself?  Such things have been done.  They will ask me for facts; and I shall be compelled to expose the exact situation of my house, explain my affairs, disclose the secret and method of my operations.”

“It is true, monsieur, that you will be called upon for some explanation; but your well-known integrity—­”

“Alas!  He was honest, too.  His integrity has never been doubted.  Who would have been suspected this morning if I had not been able to instantly produce a hundred thousand crowns?  Who would be suspected if I could not prove that my assets exceed my liabilities by more than three millions?”

To a strictly honorable man, the thought, the possibility of suspicion tarnishing his fair name, is cruel suffering.  The banker suffered, and the commissary of police saw it, and felt for him.

“Be calm, monsieur,” said he; “before the end of a week justice will have collected sufficient proof to establish the guilt of this unfortunate man, whom we may now recall.”

Prosper entered with Fanferlot, whom they had much trouble to awaken, and with the most stolid indifference listened to the announcement of his arrest.

In response, he calmly said: 

“I swear that I am innocent.”

M. Fauvel, much more disturbed and excited than his cashier, made a last attempt.

“It is not too late yet, poor boy,” he said:  “for Heaven’s sake reflect——­”

Prosper did not appear to hear him.  He drew from his pocket a small key, which he laid on the table, and said: 

“Here is the key of your safe, monsieur.  I hope for my sake that you will some day be convinced of my innocence; and I hope for your sake that the conviction will not come too late.”