manner everything that has occurred, even to the different conditions of
his bodily health."

The Count knew of his friend's foible, and remembered that when they
were young many a practical joke had been played upon his friend on this
account, and now he began to perceive the dangerous ground upon which he
stood.

"On hearing the facts of the case from Ludovic's wife's lover,"
continued Mascarin, "my employers decided that if the tale was a true
one, some mention of it would be found in the Baron's diary; and thanks
to the ingenuity and skill of certain parties, they have had in their
possession for twenty-four hours the volume for the year 1842."

"Scoundrels!" muttered the Count.

"They find not only one, but three distinct statements relating to the
affair in question."

The Count started again to his feet with so menacing a look, that the
worthy Mascarin pushed back his chair in anticipation of an immediate
assault.

"Proofs!" gasped the Count. "Give me proofs."

"Everything has been provided for, and the three leaves by which you are
so deeply compromised have been cut from the book."

"Where are these pages?"