Sometimes one is there, and sometimes the other.' 'How does the one like taking up the other's work ?' he asked keenly.
I shrugged my shoulders.

'That is as may be,' I said.

'You do not take an estate without the debts.' He did not answer for a moment, and I fancied that his thoughts had reverted to his own case.

But on a sudden he looked at me again.

'Will you answer a question, M.de Berault ?' he said winningly.
'Perhaps,' I replied.
'Then tell me--it is a tale I am sure worth the telling.