The sentence on Gwynplaine had been executed--death. His sentence was
pronounced--exile. Nothing remained but to obey. He felt as in a dream.

Some one touched his arm. It was the other person, who was with the
justice of the quorum. Ursus shuddered.

The voice which had said, "Gwynplaine is dead," whispered in his ear,--

"Here are ten guineas, sent you by one who wishes you well."

And Barkilphedro placed a little purse on a table before Ursus. We must
not forget the casket that Barkilphedro had taken with him.

Ten guineas out of two thousand! It was all that Barkilphedro could make
up his mind to part with. In all conscience it was enough. If he had
given more, he would have lost. He had taken the trouble of finding out
a lord; and having sunk the shaft, it was but fair that the first
proceeds of the mine should belong to him. Those who see meanness in the
act are right, but they would be wrong to feel astonished. Barkilphedro
loved money, especially money which was stolen. An envious man is an
avaricious one. Barkilphedro was not without his faults. The commission
of crimes does not preclude the possession of vices. Tigers have their
lice.

Besides, he belonged to the school of Bacon.

Barkilphedro turned towards the justice of the quorum, and said to
him,--

"Sir, be so good as to conclude this matter. I am in haste. A carriage
and horses belonging to her Majesty await me. I must go full gallop to
Windsor, for I must be there within two hours' time. I have intelligence
to give, and orders to take."

The justice of the quorum arose.

He went to the door, which was only latched, opened it, and, looking
silently towards the police, beckoned to them authoritatively. They
entered with that silence which heralds severity of action.

Master Nicless, satisfied with the rapid _denouement_ which cut short
his difficulties, charmed to be out of the entangled skein, was afraid,
when he saw the muster of officers, that they were going to apprehend
Ursus in his house. Two arrests, one after the other, made in his
house--first that of Gwynplaine, then that of Ursus--might be injurious
to the inn. Customers dislike police raids.

Here then was a time for a respectful appeal, suppliant and generous.
Master Nicless turned toward the justice of the quorum a smiling face,
in which confidence was tempered by respect.

"Your honour, I venture to observe to your honour that these honourable
gentlemen, the police offic