Do you now know why at this last moment I appeal to you, and not to Catenac for assistance?
If only one out of two operations that I have fully explained to you succeeds, our fortune is made." "I follow you exactly." "The question now is whether the chance of success is sufficiently great to warrant our going on with these undertakings.

Think it over and let me have your opinion." An acute observer could easily have seen that the doctor was a man of resource, and a thoroughly competent adviser, for the reason that his coolness never deserted him.

Compelled to choose between the use of the contents of his locket, or the continuance of a life of luxurious ease, the smile vanished from the doctor's face, and he began to reflect profoundly.

Leaning back in his chair, with his feet resting on the fender, he carefully studied every combination in the undertaking, as a general inspects the position taken up by the enemy, when a battle is impending, upon which the fate of an empire may hinge.

That this analysis took a favorable turn, was evident, for Mascarin soon saw a smile appear upon the doctor's lips.