show him the letter referring to the rupture," added
Noel; "it is best that he should ignore Madame Gerdy's misconduct. I
voluntarily deprived myself of this proof, rather than give him further
pain."

"And now?"

"What am I to do? I am waiting the count's return. I shall act more
freely after hearing what he has to say. Tomorrow I shall ask permission
to examine the papers belonging to Claudine. If I find the letters, I am
saved; if not,--but, as I have told you, I have formed no plan since I
heard of the assassination. Now, what do you advise?"

"The briefest counsel demands long reflection," replied the old fellow,
who was in haste to depart. "Alas! my poor boy, what worry you have
had!"

"Terrible! and, in addition, I have pecuniary embarrassments."

"How! you who spend nothing?"

"I have entered into various engagements. Can I now make use of Madame
Gerdy's fortune, which I have hitherto used as my own? I think not."

"You certainly ought not to. But listen! I am glad you have spoken of
this; you can render me a service.

"Very willingly. What is it?"

"I have, locked up in my secretary, twelve or fifteen thousand francs,
which trouble me exceedingly. You see, I am old, and not very brave, if
any one heard I had this money--"

"I fear I cannot--" commenced the advocate.

"Nonsense!" said the old fellow. "To-morrow I will give them to you
to take care of." But remembering he was about to put himself at M.
Daburon's disposal, and that perhaps he might not be free on the morrow,
he quickly added, "No, not to-morrow; but this very evening. This
infernal money shall not remain another night in my keeping."

He hurried out, and presently reappeared, holding in his hand fifteen
notes of a thousand francs each. "If that is not sufficient," said he,
handing them to Noel, "you can have more."

"Anyhow," replied the advocate, "I will give you a receipt for these."

"Oh! never mind. Time enough to-morrow."

"And if I die to-night?"

"Then," said the old fellow to himself, thinking of his will, "I shall
still be your debtor. Good-night!" added he aloud. "You have asked my
advice, I shall require the night for reflection. At present my brain is
whirling; I must go into the air. If I go to bed now, I am sure to have
a horrible nightmare. Come, my boy; patience and courage. Who knows
whether at this very hour Providence is not working for you?"

He went out, and Noel, leaving his door open, listened to the sou