Morrel opened the door, and closed it behind his son; then, crossing the anteroom, went to his desk on which he placed the pistols, and pointed with his finger to an open ledger.

In this ledger was made out an exact balance-sheet of his affair's.

Morrel had to pay, within half an hour, 287,500 francs.

All he possessed was 15,257 francs.

"Read!" said Morrel.
The young man was overwhelmed as he read.