e. Do you believe me?"

Fandor had drawn nearer the two bankers: only the immense mahogany
writing-table stood between them!

The partners had listened with cold attention: nevertheless, a slight
trembling of Monsieur Barbey's lips betrayed hidden feeling. Noticing
this, Fandor was emboldened to proceed.

Monsieur Nanteuil, in a slightly sneering tone, but with a perfectly
correct manner, replied to the ardent young journalist:

"We are greatly obliged to you, monsieur, for the sympathy you have
shown us by coming to give us information regarding the mysterious
assassins, whom the police are so zealously trying to round up. Believe
me, we are accustomed to take our precautions, seeing that we have the
handling of enormous sums of money. We are none the less grateful to you
for your interest in us, and for your warning."

"It is not a question of gratitude," interrupted Fandor sharply. "We
have to deal with very strong opponents. I say 'we' because I have
become more and more personally involved in all these crime-tragedies.
Believe me, I speak from five years' experience as a reporter, who has
had to report, on an average, one crime a day!... Up to now, nothing,
absolutely nothing has hindered the criminals from executing their
plans; but, warned in time, we may be able to thwart them."

"But," interrupted Monsieur Barbey, who had grown more and more serious.
"What are you aiming at?"

Fandor felt that the decisive moment had arrived. Bending across the
table, his face almost touching the faces of the two men, he said slowly
and distinctly:

"Messieurs, I have asked _La Capitale_ to grant me three days' leave. I
have brought a little travelling bag with me: here it is! Leaving home
as I did about half an hour ago, I consider I have arrived at the end of
my journey!... Will you offer me hospitality for the next forty-eight
hours?... I know that you, Monsieur Nanteuil, live above your offices,
whilst Monsieur Barbey goes home every evening to his place at Saint
Germain. I ask you to give up your room to me, for I am determined not
to leave here for an instant!"

Fandor, in his eagerness, had spoken faster and faster, and his heart
was beating violently. He stared fixedly at the two men; he quite
expected that his demand would excite astonishment; that objections
would be raised; and he was ready with a crowd of arguments by which to
convince them and carry his point.... But, the surprise was his, for the
banker