marquis! Then the count must have been fully restored to
consciousness before he breathed his last. On the other hand,
Valorsay pretends that Mademoiselle Marguerite is left without
resources, simply because the count died too suddenly to be able
to write or to sign a couple of lines. Can you reconcile these
two versions of the affair, M. Ferailleur? Certainly not. Then
which version is false? We must ascertain that point. When shall
you see Mademoiselle Marguerite again?"

"She has requested me NEVER to try to see her again."

"Very well! She must be disobeyed. You must discover some way of
seeing her without anyone's knowledge. She is undoubtedly
watched, so don't write on any account." He reflected for a
moment, and then added: "We shall, perhaps, become morally certain
of Valorsay's and Coralth's guilt, but there's a wide difference
between this and the establishment of their guilt by material
proofs. Two scoundrels who league to ruin an honest man don't
sign a contract to that effect before a notary. Proofs! Ah! where
shall we find them? We must gain an intimate knowledge of
Valorsay's private life. The best plan would be to find some man
devoted to our interests who would watch him, and insinuate
himself into his confidence."

Pascal interrupted the baron with an eager gesture. Hope glittered
in his eyes. "Yes!" he exclaimed, "yes; it is necessary that M.
de Valorsay should be watched by a man of quick perception--a man
clever enough to make himself useful to the marquis, and capable
of rendering him an important service in case of need. I will be
the man, monsieur, if you will allow me. The thought occurred to