l that France should be furnished with irresistible power."

While listening, Cantagnac had probably considered that raillery was not
proper to treat such exaltation, for he changed his tone and noisily
applauded the sentiments.

"Capital, capital! that's what I call sensible talk! And do you believe
that I would leave a man, a patriot, in temporary embarrassment when he
has discovered the salvation of our country? Why, this house will become
a sight for the world and his wife to flock unto! I am proud that I have
stood within the walls and I shall tell the domino-players of the
Cafe--but never mind that now! To business! Between ourselves, are you
particularly fond of this house?"

"It is my only French home, where I brought my bride, where my child was
born--where the great child of my brain came forth--"

"Enough! we can arrange this neatly. It is my element to smooth matters
over. Something is in the air about a company to 'work' your minor
inventions in firearms, eh? good! I engage, from my financial
connections, to find you all funds required; I shall charge twenty-five
per cent. on the profits, and never interfere with your scientific
department, which I do not understand, anyway. There is no necessity of
our seeing one another in the business, but I do want to put my shoulder
to the wheel--_wheel_ of Fortune, eh? ha, ha!" and he rubbed his large
hands gleefully till they fairly glowed.

There was no resisting openness like this, and Clemenceau heartily
thanked the volunteer "backer," as is said in monetary circles.

"That's very kind; but the proposal has previously been made to me by an
old friend, an Israelite who also has connections with the principal
bankers. But these transactions take time, on a large scale and to
embrace the world. Meanwhile, although he would readily and easily find
me temporary accommodation, the pressure on me is not acute enough for
me to accept a helping hand."

"I understand: you would not be in difficulties if you were another kind
of man. Let us say no more about it. As the company will be a public
one, I suppose, I can take shares. About this mortgage over our heads,
is some bank holding it?"

"Well, no; my wife has it, as part of the marriage portion, or rather
my gift. I have sent for her to step down to discuss the matter with
you."

"Happy to see the lady," said Cantagnac, pulling out his whiskers and
adjusting the points of his collar. "We will discuss it, with an