By chance rather than prudential dictates, he had removed several of the account-books of the deceased Spaniard, ere the cardinal’s seal was affixed. This trifling act—at least so deemed by the soldier—was, in the sequel, of much import. After a delay of several days, in which De Pontis could learn no tidings of the minister’s intentions—and a visit to the Tuileries, he was well aware, would compromise his majesty without forwarding the object in view—he received a citation from the _Cour Royale_ to accompany its officers in an inspection of the ware-rooms. Obeying the summons, an inventory of the goods was taken, and which was found to tally with the stock-book, with the exception of the rich bed and hangings sent to the Tuileries, and the articles taken to his own use. Next day came a legal document from another of the parliamentary courts of justice, by which it appeared that a suit had been commenced against De Pontis, by one Pedro Olivera, claiming to be the creditor of the deceased to a very large amount—indeed, to such an extent that, by appraisement of the inventory, including the debts owing the deceased at the time of his death, and deducting what amounts were due to creditors of the estate, so far from being a wealthy man he died insolvent. In consternation, De Pontis carried his papers as well as the Spaniard’s books to an advocate, a distant kinsman. The advocate shook his head ominously at the recital. “Having possessed himself of the effects,” said the lawyer, “Monsieur has made himself responsible for the debts of the deceased. And that portion of the estate which has travelled to the _Palais_ cannot of course be recovered—so that he cannot even put affairs in the posture in which they stood at the time of the Spaniard’s death.” Looking cautiously round the office, opening the door, to make certain there were no eaves-droppers, he shut it again, and approaching the ear of his kinsman, said in a low tone— “I know not how to trust even the very walls with my voice! Without doubt, Monsieur De Pontis, the claim is a fabrication—at least I cannot believe the deceased could owe such an amount, nor that this Olivera was in a condition to trust him. I will examine these books carefully, and, meantime, respond to the suit in the usual course. I will not desert a kinsman, even though he be in the toils of the tyrant. Farewell!”