ivres
in coin of the weight and standard of this day.' That is to say, of this
date which it bears. Following these, are the words 'value received.'
Now, my notary tells me that these words make this absolutely safe, so
that I know what it means in coin to me at this day, or a year from now.
Is it not so, Monsieur Fraslin?"

The Jew reached out his hand, took the note, and peered over it in close
scrutiny.

"'Tis no wonder, Monsieur le Prince," said he, presently, "that orders
have been given by the Government to receive this note without discount
for the payment of the general taxes. Upon my reputation, I must say to
you that these notes will pass current better than your uncertain coin.
The specie of the king has been changed twice in value by the king's
orders. Yet this bases itself upon a specie value which is not subject
to any change. Therein lies its own value."

"It is indeed true," broke in Varenne. "Not a day goes by at this new
bank but persons come to us and demand our notes rather than coin of the
realm of France."

"Yes, yes," broke in the prince, "we are agreed as to all this, but
there is much talk about further plans of this Monsieur L'as. He has the
ear of his Grace the regent, surely. Now, sir, tell us what you know of
these future affairs."

"The rumor is, as I understand it," answered Varenne, "that he is to
take over control of the Company of the West--to succeed, in short, to
the shoes of Anthony Crozat. There come curious stories of this province
of Louisiana."

"Of course," resumed the prince, with easy wisdom, "we all of us know of
the voyage of L'Huillier, who, with his four ships, went up this great
river Messasebe, and who, as is well known, found that river of Blue
Earth, described by early writers as abounding in gold and gems."

"Aye, and there comes the strange part of it, and this is what I would
lay before your Lordships, as bearing upon the value of the shares of
this new bank, since it is taking over the charter of the Company of the
West. It is news not yet known upon the street. The story goes that the
half has not been told of the wealth of these provinces.

"Now, as you say, L'Huillier had with him four ships, and it is well
known that his gentlemen had with them certain ladies of distinction,
among these a mysterious dame reported to have earlier traveled in
portions of New France. The name of this mysterious female is not known,
save that she is reported to have been