do, go a bit slower; then drive on like lightning, and
when you are in the Champs Elysees do what you like, for your cab will
be empty."

The driver chuckled.

"Aha," said he; "I see you are being followed, and you want to give 'em
leg bail."

"Yes, yes; you are right."

"Then listen to me. Take care when you jump, and don't do it on the
pavement, for t'other is the safest."

Andre succeeded in alighting safely, and turned down a narrow court
before his pursuer had entered the street; but it was vain for the young
painter to lurk in a doorway, for after five minutes had elapsed there
was nothing to be seen, and no spy had made his appearance.

"I have been over-cautious," muttered he.

More than a quarter of an hour had elapsed, and Andre felt that he
might leave his hiding-place, and go in quest of De Breulh; and as he
approached the spot chosen for their meeting-place, he saw his friend's
carriage, and near it was the owner, smoking a cigar. The two men caught
sight of each other almost at the same moment. De Breulh advanced to
greet the young man with extended hand.

"I have been waiting for you for the last twenty minutes," said he.

Andre commenced to apologize, but his friend checked him.

"Never mind," returned he; "I know that you must have had some excellent
reasons; but, to tell you the honest truth, I had become rather nervous
about you."

"Nervous! and why, pray?"

"Do you not recollect what I said the other evening? De Croisenois is a
double-dyed scoundrel."

Andre remained silent, and his friend, putting his arm affectionately
through his, continued,--

"Let us walk," said he; "it is better than sitting down in the _cafe_.
I believe De Croisenois capable of anything. He had the prospect before
him of a large fortune,--that of his brother George; but this he has
already anticipated. A man in a position like this is not to be trifled
with."

"I do not fear him."

"But I do. I am, however, a little relieved by the fact that he has
never seen you."

The painter shook his head.

"Not only has he seen me, but I half believe that he suspects my
designs."

"Impossible!"

"But I am sure that I have been followed to-day. I have no actual proof,
but still I am fully convinced that it was so."

And Andre recounted all that had occurred during the day.

"You are certainly being watched," answered De Breulh, "and every step
that you take will be known to your enemies, and at this very mom