that sum. You have been too lenient to Collot, who must owe you
more than that. Send agent to him. _Desole_ to trouble you, and am
au _desespoir_ to think that my own pressing necessities compel me
to urge you to take so much trouble. _Mais que faire_? The Rue de
Louvier stops the way, and I must leave it to my agent to clear it.

"Accept all my excuses, with the assurance of my sentiments the most
cordial. PAUL LOUVIER."


Alain tossed the letter to De Finisterre. "Read that from the best
fellow in the world."

The Chevalier laid down his cigarette and read. "_Diable_!" he said,
when he returned the letter and resumed the cigarette--"_Diable_!
Louvier must be much pressed for money, or he would not have written in
this strain. What does it matter? Collot owes you more than 7000 louis.
Let your lawyer get them, and go to sleep with both ears on your pillow."

"Ah! you think Collot can pay if he will?"

"_Ah! foi_! did not M. Gandrin tell you that M. Collot was safe to buy
your wood at more money than any one else would give?"

"Certainly," said Alain, comforted. "Gandrin left that impression on my
mind. I will set him on the man. All will come right, I dare say; but
if it does not come right, what would Louvier do?"

"Louvier do!" answered Finisterre, reflectively. "Well do you ask my
opinion and advice?"