man in the vestibule of the bank making preparations to
depart. It had been a painful surprise for Fandor. He recognised the
man, but could not remember exactly who he was, or where he had seen
him....

Was this workman one of the mysterious band of criminals who, he was
more and more convinced, meant to strike a blow at Monsieur Barbey, and
his partner, Nanteuil?

If Fandor had had anything to go upon, he would have had the man
shadowed. But he had no sure ground for his suspicions; besides, sent
by the State, the man was most probably what he seemed. As he was
working for the Government, he could easily be traced should such a step
be found necessary. But to make certain that all was as it should be,
Fandor had examined the work done by this individual during the day.
There was nothing wrong with it: beyond a doubt, the man was an expert.
Therefore, Fandor had felt justified in saying that he had noticed
nothing suspicious during the day.

"So much the worse," remarked Monsieur Barbey, with a shrug....
"Probably the individuals who are threatening us, have been warned of
your presence here, and are on their guard. I rejoice as far as we are
concerned; but, as regards the general interest, I almost regret it:
that your trap should prove effective, is what we must wish."

"Have no fear, dear Monsieur Barbey, it will not be laid in vain!
Knowing the cunning, the cleverness of my adversaries, I have not the
least doubt they know I am here; but I also know that the audacity of
these criminals is such, that my presence here would not deter them from
making their attempt. They believe themselves the stronger, but I hope
to undeceive them."

"What is your plan of campaign to-night?" asked Monsieur Nanteuil.

"Before replying to that, will you show me all the means of access to
the house?"

"With the greatest pleasure."

The three men left the dining-room: then went into the vestibule.

"Our courtyard gate is at the far end of the house, on the right," said
Nanteuil. "On the left, there are the Bank offices: they occupy this
ground floor. The only entrance to them is through this vestibule. This
door closed, it is impossible to get in."

"Not by the windows looking on to the street?" asked Fandor.

"No, those windows have heavy iron bars before them. To remove them
would be difficult--very ... As to the windows looking on to the garden,
they are closed every evening--you can see for yourself--by strong
wooden shu