morning, they would have ascribed his charges to a mistake,
or seen in them a weak invention in order to cover his retreat?
Therefore it was a thousand times better to keep silence, to be resigned
to postpone to another day every attempt to avenge himself in a
manner corresponding to the injury he had suffered, and all the more
effectively, as his vengeance would have been carefully matured.

But he did not wish that false letter, which might become a formidable
piece of evidence against him, to remain among his papers; no doubt Miss
Brandon would soon find an opportunity of having it withdrawn. He asked,
therefore, for leave to copy it, obtained permission, went to work, and
succeeded, without being seen by anybody, in substituting his copy for
the original.

When this was done, knowing that he had not a minute to lose, he
instantly left the department, and, jumping into a carriage, drove to M.
de Brevan.

XII.

Like all energetic natures, Daniel felt a wonderful relief as soon as he
had formed an irrevocable decision. He would even have enjoyed the peace
that had once more returned to his mind, but for the savage hatred which
had accumulated in his heart, and which confused his thoughts whenever
he remembered Miss Brandon.

Providentially, it seemed to him, Maxime had not gone out, or, rather,
having been to breakfast at the English cafe with some of his friends,
he had just returned.

In ten words Daniel had told him every thing, and even shown him that
masterpiece of forgery, which he attributed to Miss Brandon's mind, and
M. Elgin's skill. Then, without heeding Maxime's exclamations of wonder
and indignation, loud and deep as they were, he continued,--

"Now, my dear Maxime, listen to me. It may be my last will which I am
going to give in your charge."

And, when his friend tried to remonstrate, he insisted,--

"I know what I am saying. I am sure I hope I shall not be buried out
there; but the climate is murderous, and I may encounter a cannon-ball.
It is always better to be prepared."

He paused a moment to collect his thoughts; and then he went on.

"You alone, in this world, Maxime, know all my private affairs. I have
no secret from you. I have friends whom I have known longer than you;
but I have none in whom I feel more confidence. Besides, my old friends
are all sailors,--men, who, like myself, may at any moment be sent,
Heaven knows where. Now I want a reliable, safe, and experienced man,