You know the deputy who has slipped out and left a vacancy, don't you ?" The two misers nodded.
"Des Lupeaulx would cut off a leg to get elected in his place," continued Mitral; "but he must have the title-deeds of the property in his own name, and then mortgage them back to us for the amount of the purchase-money.

Ah! now you begin to see what I am after! First of all, we must make sure of Baudoyer's appointment, and des Lupeaulx will get it for us on these terms; after that is settled we will hand him back to you.

Falleix is now canvassing the electoral vote.

Don't you perceive that you have Lupeaulx completely in your power until after the election ?--for Falleix's friends are a large majority.

Now do you see what I mean, papa Gigonnet ?" "It's a clever game," said Metivier.
"We'll do it," said Gigonnet; "you agree, don't you, Gobseck?
Falleix can give us security and put mortgages on the property in my name; we'll go and see des Lupeaulx when all is ready." "We're robbed," said Gobseck.
"Ha, ha!" laughed Mitral, "I'd like to know the robber!" "Nobody can rob us but ourselves," answered Gigonnet.