“So I supposed; but have you any hopes of success?”

“None; yet I shall succeed, because, when a man devotes his whole life to the accomplishment of an object, he is certain to achieve it.”

“Well said, M. Prosper; and, to be frank, I fully expected that this would be your purpose.  I have therefore already begun to think and act for you.  I have a plan.  In the first place, you will sell this furniture, and disappear from the neighborhood.”

“Disappear!” cried Prosper, indignantly, “disappear!  Why, monsieur?  Do you not see that such a step would be a confession of guilt, would authorize the world to say that I am hiding so as to enjoy undisturbed the stolen fortune?”

“Well, what then?” said the man with the red whiskers; “did you not say just now the sacrifice of your life is made?  The skilful swimmer thrown into the river by malefactors is careful not to rise to the surface immediately:  on the contrary, he plunges beneath, and remains there as long as his breath holds out.  He comes up again at a great distance, and lands out of sight; then, when he is supposed to be dead, lost forever to the sight of man, he rises up and has his vengeance.  You have an enemy?  Some petty imprudence will betray him.  But, while he sees you standing by on the watch, he will be on his guard.”

It was with a sort of amazed submission that Prosper listened to this man, who, though a friend of his father, was an utter stranger to himself.

He submitted unconsciously to the ascendency of a nature so much more energetic and forcible than his own.  In his helpless condition he was grateful for friendly assistance, and said: 

“I will follow your advice, monsieur.”

“I was sure you would, my dear friend.  Let us reflect upon the course you should pursue.  And remember that you will need every cent of the proceeds of the sale.  Have you any ready money? no, but you must have some.  Knowing that you would need it at once, I brought an upholsterer here; and he will give twelve thousand francs for everything excepting the pictures.”

The cashier could not refrain from shrugging his shoulders, which M. Verduret observed.

“Well,” said he, “it is rather hard, I admit, but it is a necessity.  Now listen:  you are the invalid, and I am the doctor charged to cure you; if I cut to the quick, you will have to endure it.  It is the only way to save you.”

“Cut away then, monsieur,” answered Prosper.

“Well, we will hurry, for time passes.  You have a friend, M. de Lagors?”

“Raoul?  Yes, monsieur, he is an intimate friend.”

“Now tell me, who is this fellow?”

The term “fellow” seemed to offend Prosper.

“M. de Lagors, monsieur,” he said, haughtily, “is M. Fauvel’s nephew; he is a wealthy young man, handsome, intelligent, cultivated, and the best friend I have.”

“Hum!” said M. Verduret, “I shall be delighted to make the acquaintance of one adorned by so many charming qualities.  I must let you know that I wrote him a note in your name asking him to come here, and he sent word that he would be here directly.”