d to part
with it in such a quarter as you suggest, one may conclude that he has
good reason to anticipate a substantial return for the loan. You, who
are a brilliant collaborateur in the present government, should know
that, if any one does, Monsieur le Ministre."

The Minister glanced toward the window, and then gave a good-natured and
encouraging laugh, quite unexpectedly, just as if he had been told to do
so by the silent man looking down into the street, who may, indeed, have
had time to make a gesture.

"And," pursued the banker, "if a financier possessing money parts with
it--or, to state the case more particularly, if a financier possessing
no money, to my certain knowledge, suddenly raises it from nowhere
definite, for the purposes of a Royalist conspiracy, the natural
conclusion is that the Royalists have got hold of something good."

John Turner leant back in his chair and suppressed a yawn.

"This room is very warm," he said, producing a pocket-handkerchief.
Which was tantamount to a refusal to say more.

The Minister twisted the end of his moustache in reflection. It was at
this time the fashion in France to wear the moustache waxed. Indeed, men
displayed thus their political bias to all whom it might concern.

"There remains nothing," said the official at length, with a gracious
smile, "but to ask your terms."

For he who was afterward Napoleon the Third had introduced into French
political and social life a plain-spoken cynicism which characterises
both to this day.

"Easy," replied Turner. "You will find them easy. Firstly, I would ask
that your stupid secret police keeps its fingers out; secondly, that
leniency be assured to one person, a client of mine--the woman who
supplies the money--who is under the influence--well, that influence
which makes women do nobler and more foolish things, monsieur, than men
are capable of."

He rose as he spoke, collected his hat and stick, and walked slowly to
the door. With his hand on the handle, he paused.

"You can think about it," he said, "and let me know at your leisure. By
the way, there is one more point, Monsieur le Ministre. I would ask
you to let this matter remain a secret, known only to our two selves
and--the Prince President."

And John Turner went out, without so much as a glance toward the window.

CHAPTER XVII. ON THE PONT ROYAL

It would appear that John Turner had business south of the Seine,
though his clients were few in th