"You are right, quite right; these are the crevices in our armor; but I
keep my eyes open, and nothing escapes me."

The doctor was growing rather weary, but he still went on courageously.
"My third 'but'" said he, "is perhaps the strongest. We must see the
young fellow at once. It may be to-morrow, without even having prepared
him or taught him his part. Suppose we found that he was honest!
Imagine--if he returned a firm negative to all your dazzling offers!"

Mascarin rose to his feet in his turn. "I do not think that there is any
chance of that," said he.

"Why not, pray?"

"Because when Tantaine brought him to me, he had studied him carefully.
He is as weak as a woman, and as vain as a journalist. Besides, he is
ashamed at being poor. No; I can mould him like wax into any shape I
like. He will be just what we wish."

"Are you sure," asked Hortebise, "that Flavia will have nothing to say
in this matter?"

"I had rather, with your permission, say nothing on that head," returned
Mascarin. He broke off his speech and listened eagerly. "There is some
one listening," said he. "Hark!"

The sound was repeated, and the doctor was about to seek refuge in the
inner room, when Mascarin laid a detaining hand upon his arm.