continued in a low voice, as though speaking to himself, "I have certain
ties which you do not possess."

For the first time during this interview a cloud spread over the
doctor's countenance.

"Great Heavens!" said he, "and I was depending on you for three thousand
francs, which I require urgently."

Mascarin smiled slyly at the doctor's uneasiness. "Don't worry," he
answered. "You can have that; there ought to be some six or eight
thousand francs in the safe. But that is all, and that is the last
of our common capital,--this after twenty years of toil, danger, and
anxiety, and we have not twenty years before us to make a fresh fortune
in."

"Yes," continued Mascarin, "we are getting old, and therefore have the
greater reason for making one grand stroke to assure our fortune. Were I
to fall ill to-morrow, all would go to smash."

"Quite true," returned the doctor, with a slight shudder.

"We must, and that is certain, venture on a bold stroke. I have said
this for years, and woven a web of gigantic proportions. Do you now
know why at this last moment I appeal to you, and not to Catenac
for assistance? If only one out of two operations that I have fully
explained to you succeeds, our fortune is made."

"I follow you exactly."