we
have not the choice of means. Come, 'tis to an honest man and a
tried friend that I shall take you. Fear nothing. If he remembers
that he is commissary of police, it will be to serve us, not to
injure you. You hesitate? Perhaps at this moment he already
knows more than we do ourselves."

Maxence took a sudden resolution.

"Very well," he said: "let us go."

In less than five minutes they were off; and, as they went out, they
had to disturb Mme. Fortin, who stood at the door, gossiping with
two or three of the neighboring shop-keepers.

As soon as Maxence and Mlle. Lucienne were out of hearing,

"You see that young man," said the honorable proprietress of the
Hotel des Folies to her interlocutors. "Well, he is the son of that
famous cashier who has just run off with twelve millions, after
ruining a thousand families. It don't seem to trouble him, either;
for there he is, going out to spend a pleasant day with his mistress,
and to treat her to a fine dinner with the old man's money."

Meantime, Maxence and Lucienne reached the commissary's house. He
was at home; they walked in. And, as soon as they appeared,

"I expected you," he said.

He was a man already past middle age, but active and vigorous still.
With his white cravat and long frock-coat, he looked like a notary.
Benign was the expression of his countenance; but the lustre of his
little gray eyes, and the mobility of his nostrils, showed that it
should not be trusted too far.

"Yes, I expected you," he repeated, addressing himself as much to
Maxence as to Mlle. Lucienne. "It is the Mutual Credit matter which
brings you here?"

Maxence stepped forward,

"I am Vincent Favoral's son, sir," he replied. "I have still my
mother and a sister. Our situation is horrible. Mlle. Lucienne
suggested that you might be willing to give me some advice; and here
we are."

The commissary rang, and, on the bell being answered,

"I am at home for no one," he said.

And then turning to Maxence,

"Mlle. Lucienne did well to bring you," he said; "for it may be,
that, whilst rendering her an important service, I may also render
you one. But I have no time to lose. Sit down, and tell me all
about it." With the most scrupulous exactness Maxence told the
history of his family, and the events of the past twenty-four hours.

Not once did the commissary interrupt him; but, when he had done,

"Tell me your father's interview with M. de Thaller all over a