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Updated: May 4, 2025
"Why do you talk like that, when you know very well that you are following Ambrose on your own account, hoping by that means to penetrate a secret, only a small portion of which has been intrusted to you?" remarked he. "Are you certain of this statement?" asked the man, with a cunning look. "So sure that I can tell you that the matter was placed in your hands by a certain M. Catenac."
The lawyer started as he caught the strange, meaning smile which accompanied these words. "Great heavens!" said he, "why did you not speak sooner?" Catenac at once divined Mascarin's project, and understood the allusion to the Duke de Champdoce. The Marquis de Croisenois was never punctual.
All now depends upon your exactitude in obeying my orders; one false step may ruin us all. You have heard this, and cannot say that you are not fully warned." Catenac seated himself at the writing-table without a word, concealing his anger and jealousy beneath a careless smile.
Croisenois endeavored to conceal a sneer; the story was not a very interesting one. "As I said before, each one of us anticipated a brilliant career. Catenac had gained a prize by his 'Treatise on the Transfer of Real Estate, and Hortebise had written a pamphlet regarding which the great Orfila had testified approval. Nor was I without my successes.
Indeed, he was wondering how the matter had reached his father's ears, and how Catenac had discovered the rough draft of the agreement. The contractor had imagined that his son would implore forgiveness; but seeing that he remained obdurate, his violence burst forth again. "And do you know what use my son would make of my fortune?
"Call it eight hundred thousand francs," broke in Mascarin. "Say I drew the same amount as you did. We have spent ours, and Catenac has saved his, and grown rich; hence my distrust. Our interests are no longer identical. He certainly comes here every month, but it is only to claim his share; he consents to take his share of the profits, but shirks the risks.
"There," said he, "that is made up to December last, and shows precisely how you stand financially. Twice, then, you have increased your funds. These deposits you will find in an addenda at the end of the book." Catenac started to his feet; all his calmness had now disappeared.
If there is any difficulty in obtaining a sight of them, the Duke de Champdoce will act as a talisman. You will then discover that in 1864, the man Vigoureux was sentenced to a term of imprisonment for disorderly conduct, and that he now keeps a wine-shop at the corner of the Rue Depleux." "Stop a bit," said Catenac, "and let me take down the address."
I also know that instead of coming direct to me you went to the very man that we have every reason to dread, that fellow Perpignan, who is nearly as sharp as we are." "Go on," returned Catenac impatiently. "What do you expect from me on this point?"
"Have at least the courage to acknowledge your fault. You thought me blind because I said nothing, but your past conduct has opened my eyes." "But, father!" "Do not attempt to deny it. This very morning my man of business, M. Catenac, wrote to me, and with that real courage which only true friends possess, told me all. I must tell you, M. Andre," resumed the contractor, "I was ill.
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