Was it
prudent to incur the risk of making this woman an enemy? All
Sunday he hesitated. It would be very easy to get out of the
scrape. He could concoct some story for Wilkie's benefit, and
that would be the end of it. But on the other hand, there was the
prospect of netting at least five hundred thousand francs--a
fortune--a competency, and the idea was too tempting to be
relinquished.
So on Monday morning, at about ten o'clock, he presented himself
at Wilkie's house, looking pale with anxiety, and far more solemn
in manner than usual. "Let us say but little, and that to the
point," he remarked on entering. "The secret I am about to reveal
to you will make you rich; but it might ruin me if it were known
that you obtained this information through me. You will therefore
swear, upon your honor as a gentleman, never to betray me, under
any circumstances, or for any reason."
M. Wilkie extended his hand and solemnly exclaimed: "I swear!"
"Very well, then. Now my mind is at rest. It is scarcely
necessary for me to add that if you break your faith you are a
dead man. You know me. You know how I handle a sword; and don't
forget it." His manner was so threatening that Wilkie shuddered.
"You will certainly be questioned," continued M. de Coralth; "but
you must reply that you received the information through one of
Mr. Patterson's friends.
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