ed.

"Now you are sensible. We must work together, is it not so? Paris is
dangerous for you. You are a rich man and the place for you is across
the frontier. A friend of mine, a good citizen, has for days been ready
to travel at a moment's notice, and will take a servant with him. He has
papers that cannot be questioned for himself and for you, his servant.
He goes by way of Metz and then to Valenciennes. You will slip across
the frontier into Belgium. You have heard of the inn, on that road, La
Houlette. Once there you may throw away your cockade and become again a
nobleman. It is your metier, my friend, you were never intended for a
patriot. And now that you have money what better could you wish for?"

"It is an attractive programme, and I am a little tired of this
cockloft," answered Bruslart. "How is it to be managed?"

"In an hour I will be back with all that is necessary to alter your
dress and appearance. In two hours you may commence your journey."

"Very well, my good Legrand, I shall expect you in an hour."

"Yes, but the money," said the doctor. "I run a risk, and my friend must
also be paid."

"Anything that is reasonable."

"Oh, it is reasonable."

"What is the figure?" Bruslart asked.

"I think I can arrange everything if you give me the fee I was to have
had for the papers you expected me to bring this morning."

"Nonsense, Legrand. That fee is nearly half of my fortune."

"Mademoiselle's fortune," corrected Legrand.

The two men looked at each other, and understood each other well.
Bruslart knew that the doctor was quite prepared to betray him if he did
not come to his terms. Legrand knew that Bruslart was in dire straits,
and that once in the hands of the Convention his doom was sealed. In one
sense the doctor was the more honest of the two. He could do what he
said with every prospect of success, and was prepared to fulfill his
bargain to the letter. Bruslart was already planning how he could
overreach his companion.

"It is a monstrous price to pay."

"It saves you from the guillotine," answered Legrand.

"Very well, I'll pay it," said Bruslart, after a moment's thought.

"Quickly, then. I will go at once. Give me the money."

"A bargain is a bargain, my good doctor, and I do not part with my money
until you have completed your work. I shall expect you in an hour."

Legrand hesitated.

"I cannot get away," said Bruslart, "but there is a possibility that you
might not return."