take them back to M. de Thaller to-morrow."

The bell rang violently.

"The police!" groaned Mme. Desclavettes, who seemed on the point of
fainting away.

"I am going to negotiate," said M. Desormeaux. "Fly, Vincent: do
not lose a minute."

And he ran to the front-door, whilst Mme. Favoral was hurrying her
husband towards Mlle. Gilberte's room.

Rapidly and stoutly Maxence had fastened four sheets together by the
ends, which gave a more than sufficient length. Then, opening the
window, he examined carefully the courtyard of the adjoining house.

"No one," said he: "everybody is at dinner. We'll succeed."

M. Favoral was tottering like a drunken man. A terrible emotion
convulsed his features. Casting a long look upon his wife and
children:

"O Lord!" he murmured, "what will become of you?"

"Fear nothing, father," uttered Maxence. "I am here. Neither my
mother nor my sister will want for any thing."

"My son!" resumed the cashier, "my children!"