The reading of this scrap of paper completed Antoine's dismay.
"Very well," he said, in a calmer voice, "I know now what I have to do." The truth was, however, he did not know what to do.

His inability to hit upon any immediate expedient for obtaining his share of the money and satisfying his desire of revenge increased his fury.

He went back to his mother and subjected her to a disgraceful cross-examination.

The wretched woman could do nothing but again refer him to Pierre.
"Do you think you are going to make me run to and fro like a shuttle ?" he cried, insolently.

"I'll soon find out which of you two has the hoard.