s did not seem particularly astonished.

They consulted each other with a look. Then, as Barbey opened his mouth
to reply, Nanteuil began to speak, rising politely at the same time.

"Monsieur Fandor, your last statements and remarks are too serious to be
passed over lightly. Your offer is too generous to be rejected without
consideration. Will you allow us to retire for a minute or two: my
partner and I will discuss the question."

* * * * *

For about ten minutes Fandor marched up and down the sumptuous room.
Then one of the padded doors opened silently, and Barbey entered more
solemn than ever: Nanteuil was smiling.

"Monsieur," said Barbey, in weighty tones, "my partner and I, in view of
the exceptional seriousness of the situation, for your words carry
conviction--have come to a decision: we beg of you to consider yourself
our guest from this moment, and to consider this house as your own!"

"And it is understood, of course, that you dine with us this evening!"
added Nanteuil with friendly graciousness. "Monsieur Barbey will be of
the party, and will pass the night in our company ... and you can count
on it, that we shall drink a good bottle of Burgundy to enable us to
await with patience and serenity the audacious individuals you say we
are to expect.... Dear Monsieur Fandor, here are some illustrated papers
with some gay sketches of dear little women to exercise your patience
over, whilst we sign our outgoing letters as fast as possible...."

XXVI

IN THE TRAP

The servant had retired, leaving the three men to their fruit and wine.
His hosts turned to Fandor in mute interrogation.... But Fandor
continued to peel a superb peach with the utmost coolness: he did not
seem disposed to talk.

Barbey broke the silence.

"Tell me, now that your first day on guard is ended, and you have not
left us for a moment--have you noticed anything at all suspicious?"

Fandor shook his head. "Nothing whatever."

This was not strictly true; for he had noticed an individual in the
bank, occupied in repairing the telephone. He had made discreet
inquiries, and had been told that he was a workman sent by the State, at
the request of the bankers, to see that the lines were in good working
order. This explanation had at first set his mind at rest regarding the
comings and goings of this individual.

But, just when he was going in to dinner at seven o'clock, Fandor had
come across the