stammered Baruch.

"'Forgive, and I won't do it again,'" sneered the old man, imitating a
child's voice. "If I were to forgive you, and let you out of this house,
you would go and tell Monsieur Maxence what has happened, and warn him
to be on his guard. No, no, my little men. I shall keep my eye on you,
and I have means of knowing what you do. As you behave, so shall I
behave to you. It will be by a long course of good conduct, not that of
a day or a month, but of years, that I shall judge you. I am strong
on my legs, my eyes are good, my health is sound; I hope to live long
enough to see what road you take. Your first move will be to Paris,
where you will study banking under Messieurs Mongenod and Sons. Ill-luck
to you if you don't walk straight; you will be watched. Your property is
in the hand of Messieurs Mongenod; here is a cheque for the amount.
Now then, release me as guardian, and sign the accounts, and also this
receipt," he added, taking the papers from Monsieur Heron and handing
them to Baruch.

"As for you, Francois Hochon, you owe me money instead of having any
to receive," said the old man, looking at his other grandson. "Monsieur
Heron, read his account; it is all clear--perfectly clear."

The reading was done in the midst of perfect stillness.

"You will have six hundred francs a year, and with that you will go
to Poitiers and study law," said the grandfather, when the notary had
finished. "I had a fine life in prospect for you; but now, you must earn
your living as a lawyer. Ah! my young rascals, you have deceived me for
six years; you now know it has taken me but one hour to get even with
you: I have seven-leagued boots."

Just as old Monsieur Heron was preparing to leave with the signed
papers, Gritte announced Colonel Bridau. Madame Hochon left the room,
taking her grandsons with her, that she might, as old Hochon said,
confess them privately and find out what effect this scene had produced
upon them.

Philippe and the old man stood in the embrasure of a window and spoke in
low tones.

"I have been reflecting on the state of your affairs over there," said
Monsieur Hochon pointing to the Rouget house. "I have just had a talk
with Monsieur Heron. The security for the fifty thousand francs a
year from the property in the Funds cannot be sold unless by the owner
himself or some one with a power of attorney from him. Now, since
your arrival here, your uncle has not signed any such power before
an