d the receptacle, and with a
sweep of his hand poured out on the table its contents. A mass of
glittering gems, diamonds, sapphires, pearls, emeralds, fell and spread
over the table top. The light cast out by their thousand facets lit up
the surroundings with shimmering, many-colored gleams. The wealth of a
kingdom might have been here in the careless possession of this man,
whose resources had been absolutely without measure.

"Help yourself, Henri," said Law, calmly, and turned about to his
employment among the papers. A moment later he turned again to see his
servant still standing motionless.

"Well?" said Law.

"I do not understand," said the Swiss.

"Take what you like," said Law. "I have said it, and I mean it. It is
for your pay, because you have been honest, because I understand you as
a faithful man."

"But, Monsieur, these things have very great value," said the Swiss.
"Let me ask how is it that you yourself take so little gold along? Does
Monsieur purpose to take with him his fortune in gems and jewels
instead?"

"By no means. I purpose taking but fifty louis, as I have said."

"Monsieur would have me replace the drawer?"

"How do you mean?"

"Why, I want none of them."

"Why?"

"Because Monsieur wants none of them."

"Fie! Your case is quite different from mine."

"Perhaps, but I want none of them."

"Are you afraid?"

"Monsieur!"

"Do you not think them genuine stones?"

"Assuredly," said the Swiss, "else why should we have cared for them
among our gems?"

"Well, then, I command you as your master, to take forth some of these
jewels and keep them for your own."

"But no," replied the Swiss. "It is only after Monsieur."

"What? Myself?"

"Assuredly."

"Then, for the sake of precedent," said Law, "let me see. Well, then, I
will take one gem, only one. Here, Henri, is the diamond which I brought
with me when I came to Paris years ago. It was the sole jewel owned then
by my brother and myself, though we had somewhat of gold between us,
thanks to this same diamond. It was once my sole capital, in years gone
by. Perhaps we may need a carriage through France, and this may serve to
pay the hire of a vehicle from one of my late dukes or marquises. Or
perhaps at best I may send this same stone across the channel to my
brother Will, who has wisely gone to Scotland, or should have departed
before this. So, very well, Henri, to oblige you I will take this single
stone. Now, do you help y