fingers."

"He won't do that, for he told me that he was on the right road to find
out who she was, and where she got her money from. But I ought to warn
you against the young scamp, for I have found out that he robs us and
sells our goods far below their value."

"What do you mean?"

"I have long had my suspicions, and yesterday I wormed it all out from
a disreputable looking fellow, who came here to ask for his friend
Chupin."

Men accustomed to danger are over prompt in their decisions. "Very
well," returned Mascarin, "if this is the case, Master Chupin shall have
a taste of prison fare."

Beaumarchef withdrew, but almost immediately reappeared.

"Sir," said he, "a servant from M. de Croisenois is here with a note."

"Send the man in," said Mascarin.

The domestic was irreproachably dressed, and looked what he was, the
servant of a nobleman.

He had something the appearance of an Englishman, with a high collar,
reaching almost to his ears. His face was clean shaved, and of a
ruddy hue. His coat was evidently the work of a London tailor, and his
appearance was as stiff as though carved out of wood. Indeed, he looked
like a very perfect piece of mechanism.

"My master," said he, "desired me to give this note into your own
hands."

Under cover of breaking the seal, Mascarin viewed this model servant
attentively. He was a stranger to him, for he had never supplied
Croisenois with a domestic.

"It seems, my good fellow," said he, "that your master was up earlier
than usual this morning?"

The man frowned a little at this familiar address, and then slowly
replied,--

"When I took service with the Marquis, he agreed to give me fifteen
louis over my wages for the privilege of calling me 'a good fellow,'
but I permit no one to do so gratis. I think that my master is still
asleep," continued the man solemnly. "He wrote the note on his return
from the club."

"Is there any reply."

"Yes, sir."

"Good; then wait a little."

And Mascarin, opening the note, read the following:

"MY DEAR FRIEND,--

"Baccarat has served me an ugly turn, and in addition to all my ready
cash I have given an I.O.U. for three thousand francs. To save my credit
I must have this by twelve to-morrow."

"His credit," said Mascarin. "His credit! That is a fine joke indeed."
The servant stood up stiffly erect, as one seeming to take no notice,
and the agent continued reading the letter.

"Am I wrong in looking to you for this t