l scene. What do you demand of me?"

"I have already told you, money, all that you have here. But make up
your mind quickly."

On the previous Saturday the count had withdrawn from his bankers the
sum he had destined for fitting up the apartments of him whom he thought
was his legitimate child.

"I have eighty thousand francs here," he replied.

"That's very little," said the advocate; "but give them to me. I will
tell you though that I had counted on you for five hundred thousand
francs. If I succeed in escaping my pursuers, you must hold at my
disposal the balance, four hundred and twenty thousand francs. Will you
pledge yourself to give them to me at the first demand? I will find some
means of sending for them, without any risk to myself. At that price,
you need never fear hearing of me again."

By way of reply, the count opened a little iron chest imbedded in the
wall, and took out a roll of bank notes, which he threw at Noel's feet.

An angry look flashed in the advocate's eyes, as he took one step
towards his father.

"Oh! take care!" he said threateningly; "people who, like me, have
nothing to lose are dangerous. I can yet give myself up, and----"

He stooped down, however, and picked up the notes.

"Will you give me your word," he continued, "to let me have the rest
whenever I ask for them?"

"Yes."

"Then I am going. Do not fear, I will be faithful to our compact, they
shall not take me alive. Adieu, my father! in all this you are the true
criminal, but you alone will go unpunished. Ah, heaven is not just. I
curse you!"

When, an hour later, the servants entered the count's room, they found
him stretched on the floor with his face against the carpet, and showing
scarcely a sign of life.

On leaving the Commarin house, Noel staggered up the Rue de
l'Universite.

It seemed to him that the pavement oscillated beneath his feet, and that
everything about him was turning round. His mouth was parched, his eyes
were burning, and every now and then a sudden fit of sickness overcame
him.

But, at the same time, strange to relate, he felt an incredible relief,
almost delight. It was ended then, all was over; the game was lost. No
more anguish now, no more useless fright and foolish terrors, no more
dissembling, no more struggles. Henceforth he had nothing more to fear.
His horrible part being played to the bitter end, he could now lay aside
his mask and breathe freely.

An irresistible weariness succ