it back to the cause. Yes, this is what took
place."

"Why don't you say at once that the whole scheme is knocked on the
head?" asked the doctor.

"Because I do not think that it is; I know that we have sustained a very
severe check; but when you are playing _ecarte_ and your adversary has
made five points to your one, you do not necessarily throw down the
cards and give up the game? Not a bit; you hold on and strive to better
your luck."

The worthy Dr. Hortebise did not know whether the most to admire the
perseverance or deplore the obstinacy of the old man, and exclaimed,--

"Why, this is utter madness; it is like plunging headlong into a deep
pit, which you can easily see in your path."

Tantaine gave a long, low whistle.

"My friend," said he, "what in your opinion would be the best course to
pursue?"

"I should say, without a moment's hesitation, turn up the whole scheme,
and look out for another one, which, if less lucrative, would not be so
full of danger. You had hoped to win the game, and with good reason too.
Now throw aside all feelings of wounded vanity, and accept your defeat.
After all, it does not matter to us who Mademoiselle de Mussidan
marries. The great enterprise fortunately does not lie in this alliance.
We have still the idea of the Company to which all old people must
subscribe remaining to us, and we can work it up at once."

He stopped short, abashed by the look on Tantaine's face.

"It strikes me," resumed the doctor, a little mortified, "that my
proposal is not utterly ridiculous, and certainly deserves some
consideration."

"Perhaps so; but is it a practical one?"

"I see no reason why it should not be."

"Indeed, then, you look at the thing in a very different manner to
myself. We are too far advanced, my dear doctor, to be our own masters.
We must go on, and have no option to do otherwise. To beat a retreat
would simply be to invite our enemies to fall upon our disorganized
battalions. We must give battle; and as the first to strike has always
the best chance of victory, we must strive to take the initiative."

"The idea is good, but these are mere words."

"Was the secret that we confided to De Croisenois only words?"

This thrust went home.

"Do you mean that you think he would betray us?" said he.

"Why should he not if it were to his interests to do so? Reflect,
Croisenois is almost at the end of his tether. We have dangled the line
of a princely fortune before h