The advocate then proceeded to relate that among the papers of the deceased he found much correspondence of a peculiar character, some portion of which might even implicate individuals in a charge of treason—other portions related to financial matters, and showing that the Spaniard had been a lender rather than a borrower, and had supplied parties connected with the court with money. Much curious matter there was, even relating to this Pedro Olivera, who, however, figured in a subordinate capacity, certainly very different from what might be expected of one who could lend such a vast sum of money. “I have my suspicions,” answered Monsieur Giraud, “and if we could but discover the party whom the _droit_ is intended for, I think I could find a shaft in the Spaniard’s budget which would pierce him.” “And if I could find the party whom the _droit_ is intended for,” exclaimed the veteran, “and had him before me at rapier’s length in the _pré aux clercs_, he would soon have to enter his cause in another court.” “I have no doubt if steel would do the business my agency would be useless,” rejoined the lawyer, “but the Sieur De Pontis must remember he is now on the brink of total ruin, perhaps even of personal disgrace—that the net is spread on every side—if he retain the _droit d’aubaine_, this Pedro may recover a decree against him for more than the _droit_ is worth—if Pedro by any chance is defeated, the _procureur_ catches my friend on the penal suit, and sequesters _droit_, land and everything he has—and adds to it, most likely, imprisonment. All this may be effected without causing our generous king to violate his word.” “_Mort de ma vie!_” exclaimed De Pontis, starting up in a rage, “and is not all this done, Monsieur Giraud, to make an old soldier surrender the king’s bounty? If I thrust this morsel of paper,” displaying the sovereign’s sign-manual, “in the fire to boil our coffee, would not the gates open at once—aye! and Pedro’s debt vanish like smoke?” “They would be glad to make such terms, undoubtedly,” replied the advocate. “Then, by St. Louis and all the saints!” exclaimed the _militaire_, raising his arm and letting the clenched fist drop on the board with a bound which did much damage to the breakfast service, “so long as his gracious majesty promises not to abandon his old servant, so long will I resist all the priests and cardinals in France.” “And will end your days in the Bastille,” uttered Giraud. “No! no!” cried Marguerite, bursting into tears, “Father! Monsieur Giraud! I will go to the cardinal this morning, and implore him to stay the _procureur’s_ proceedings till we can prepare our defence.”