feet. They are heartless monsters, the like of whom certainly cannot be
found upon the earth."

"Alas!" sighed the baron, "the allies have brought back others who, like
these men, think the world created exclusively for their benefit."

"And these people wish to be our masters," growled Lacheneur.

By some strange fatality no one chanced to hear the remark made by M.
Lacheneur. Had they overheard and questioned him, he would probably have
disclosed some of the projects which were as yet in embryo in his own
mind; and in that case what disastrous consequences might have been
averted.

M. d'Escorval had regained his usual coolness.

"Now, my dear friend," he inquired, "what course do you propose to
pursue with these members of the Sairmeuse family?"

"They will hear nothing more from me--for some time, at least."

"What! Shall you not claim the ten thousand francs that they owe you?"

"I shall ask them for nothing."

"You will be compelled to do so. Since you have alluded to the legacy,
your own honor will demand that you insist upon its payment by all legal
methods. There are still judges in France."

M. Lacheneur shook his head.