to a
division of the spoils, but Ansell claimed a double share because he had
been the instigator of the affair.

Adolphe Carlier protested vehemently, gesticulating wildly; but at last,
finding argument of no avail, he shrugged his shoulders and accepted the
inevitable. He had had previous experience of Ralph's overbearing
American manners.

"Then you agree--eh?" asked Ansell, at last.

"I suppose I must," was the response, as "The Eel" thrust a thousand
pounds into the inner pocket of his jacket.

"Must! Why, it is only fair!" declared Ansell. "Without my guidance you
would never have brought off such a _coup_. Now this stuff," he added,
indicating the jewellery. "I'll keep it till I get the money from old
Levy--eh?"

"Very well," replied his companion. "But half shares of that, you know."

"Of course. That's agreed," responded the other, and both lifted the
tumblers of wine in celebration of their success and safety.

"Phew! How warm I feel," exclaimed "The Eel."

"Take off your coat, old fellow, and wait here till the morning, Then
we'll go out and wire to that old scoundrel, Levy," urged Ansell. "We
can both do with an hour's rest after to-night's work."

"Right. But I'll bathe my hand first. It is very painful."

"Yes. Go into my room," said the other, indicating the door.

Therefore Adolphe threw off his coat, hung it upon a nail, and,
unwrapping his injured hand, entered the adjoining room, closing the
door after him.

"You'll find water in there," shouted his host, whose face, at the
moment, relaxed into a hard, sinister smile.

He placed his hand in his jacket pocket, and it came into contact with
Jean's letter.

The recollection of it maddened him. He remembered that the man in the
room beyond had stood her champion, and had taken her part.

"Curse you!" he muttered, beneath his breath. "What business is it of
yours--you soft-hearted fool?"

But scarce had the words fallen from his lips when the door opened
suddenly, and the old woman from below, who acted as _concierge_,
terrified and panting, entered, and with a loud whisper, cried:

"Ah, M'sieur Ansell. Quick! quick! The police are here! The commissary
is asking for you. Quick! Get away, or you'll be caught like a rat in a
trap. You know the way. Leave the rest to me!"

And without another word she disappeared, closing the door after her,
while the wanted man stood staggered, pale, and dumb.

CHAPTER XI.

THE VOW.

For