o the garage, I walked round to the hotel,
transformed myself from a leather-coated chauffeur into a Monte Carlo
lounger, and just before ten o'clock met the Count going across the
flower-scented Place to the Rooms.

He was alone, and, recognising me, crossed and said--

"Ewart, let's walk up through the gardens. I want to have a word with
you."

I turned on my heel, and strolled with him.

"You know what we've done to-day--eh? You stand in, so you can just shut
your eyes to anything that isn't exactly in order--understand? There's a
big thing before us--a very big thing--a thing that's simply dropped
from the clouds. You want money, so do I. We all want money. Just keep a
still tongue, and obey my orders, and you'll see that we'll bring off
the biggest _coup_ that the Riviera has yet known."

"I know how to be silent," I said, though I did not at all like the
aspect of affairs.

"Yes, you do. I give you credit for that. One word of this and I go
to durance vile. Silence, and the whole of us profit and get the
wherewithal to live. I often think, Ewart, that the public, as they
call it--the British public--are an extraordinary people. They are so
confoundedly honest. But, nowadays, there surely isn't any honesty in
life--at least, I've never found any. Why, your honest business man who
goes to church or chapel each Sunday, and is a model of all the virtues,
is, in the City, the very man who'll drive a hard bargain, pay a
starvation wage, and button his pockets against the widow! Who are
your successful men in business? Why, for the most part, the men who,
by dint of sharp practice or unscrupulousness, have been able to get
in front of their competitors. Therefore, after all, am I very much
worse than the successful City man? I live on my brains--and I'm happy
to say I've lived very well--up to the present. But enough of this
philosophy," laughed the easy-going young scoundrel. "I want to give
you instructions. You stand in with us, Ewart. Your share of the Gilling
affair is to your credit, and you'll have it before long. At present,
we have another little matter in hand--one which requires extremely
delicate handling, but will be successful providing Mademoiselle
Gabrielle doesn't change her mind. But women are so often fickle, and
the morning brings prudence far too frequently. You'll see some strange
happenings to-morrow or the next day. Keep your eyes and ears closed;
that's all you have to do. You understand--