ly into the difficult windings of this
labyrinth of iniquity which he knew that he must penetrate before he
gained the secret he longed for.

He felt like a child playing the game called "Magic Music," when, as the
seeker nears the hiding place of the article of which he is in search,
the strains of the piano swell higher and higher. He now found that the
boy whose master he had become, knew, or said he knew, a good deal of
this marquis. Why should he not gain some information from him?

"Are you really intimate with the Marquis de Croisenois?" asked he.

"I should rather think I was," returned Gandelu the younger. "You will
see that precious sharp. I know all about him, and who the girl is that
he is ruining himself for, but I mustn't talk about that; mum's the
word, you know."

At that moment the door opened, and the Marquis appeared, followed by
Verminet.

Henri de Croisenois was attired in the most fashionable manner, and
formed an utter contrast to the flashy dress of Gaston. He was smoking a
cigar, and mechanically tapping his boots with an elegant walking cane.
In a moment the features and figure of the Viscount were indelibly
photographed upon Andre's brain. He particularly noticed his eyes,
which had in them a half-concealed look of terror, and his face bore the
haunted expression of a person who expects some terrible blow to fall
upon him at any moment.

At a little distance the Marquis still seemed young, but a closer
inspection showed that the man looked even older than he really was, so
worn and haggard were his mouth and eyes. Nights at the gaming-table and
the anxiety as to where the fresh supplies should come from to furnish
the means to prolong his life of debauchery had told heavily upon him.
To-day, however, he seemed to be in the best temper imaginable, and
in the most cheerful manner he addressed a few words to Verminet, in
conclusion of the conversation that had been going on in the inner
office.

"It is settled then," remarked he, "that I am to have nothing more to do
with a business with which neither of us has any real concern?"

"Just so," answered Verminet.

"Very well, then; but remember that any mistake you may make in the
other affair will be attended with the most serious results."

This caution seemed to suggest some new idea to Verminet, for he said
something in a low voice to his client at which they both laughed.

Gaston was fidgeting about, very uneasy at the Marquis havi