at will, might effect it. The question is, Will you be the man,
my friend?'

I hesitated; then I bowed. What choice had I?

'Nay, nay, speak out!' he said sharply. 'Yes or no, M. de
Berault?'

'Yes, your Eminence,' I said reluctantly. Again, I say, what
choice had I?

'You will bring him to Paris, and alive. He knows things, and
that is why I want him. You understand?'

'I understand, Monseigneur,' I answered.

'You will get into the house as you can,' he continued with
energy. 'For that you will need strategy, and good strategy.
They suspect everybody. You must deceive them. If you fail to
deceive them, or, deceiving them, are found out later, I do not
think that you will trouble me again, or break the edict a second
time. On the other hand, should you deceive me'--he smiled still
more subtly, but his voice sank to a purring note--'I will break
you on the wheel like the ruined gamester you are!'

I met his look without quailing. 'So be it!' I said recklessly.
'If I do not bring M. de Cocheforet to Paris, you may do that to
me, and more also!'

'It is a bargain!' he answered slowly. 'I think that you will