“Stop,” rejoined my uncle with energy, “there is nothing wrong to suspect here--far from it.” “No doubt. All the same, you have secrets--as you have every right to have. If I speak to you of them, it is because I must resign myself to assure you that I shall respect them.” “There is only _one_! A single secret. And its aim is noble and salutary,” said my uncle sententiously and with animation: “One only, I tell you--that concerning our work; a blessing to humanity--glory too and gold! But we must have silence assured us. Secrets! Everybody knows we are here, that we are working. The newspapers have said so--there is no secret in that.” “Keep calm, uncle, and tell me how I am to behave in your house. I am entirely at your disposal.” Lerne resumed his inward debate: “Well,” said he, raising his brow, “it is agreed. Such an uncle as I have always shown myself towards you cannot possibly drive you away. That would be belying all my past. Remain then, but on the following conditions: “We are pursuing researches here that are about to come to their fulfillment. When our discovery is a _fait accompli_ the public will hear of it in its entirety. Till then, I do not wish it to be informed of uncertain attempts whose revelation might raise up rivals capable of anticipating us. I do not doubt your discretion, but I prefer not to put it to the test, and I entreat you in your own interests not to try to surprise any secrets, rather than to be obliged to hide them. I say, ‘in your own interests’; not merely because it is easier not to pry than to hold one’s tongue, but also for the following reasons: Our business is a commercial one at bottom. A man of business like you will be very useful to me. We shall become rich, nephew--millionaires! But you must let me forget the instrument of your fortune in peace, you must show yourself a man of tact and respectful of my orders--in a word, the man I want as an associate. You must know, I am not alone in this enterprise. _They_ might make you repent of your acts, if you transgressed the rule I am laying down for you--cruelly repent--more cruelly than you imagine. So practice indifference, my dear nephew. See nothing, hear nothing, understand nothing, in order that you may become very, very rich--and remain alive!” “Oh, indifference is not so easy a virtue at Fonval. There have been things going about here since last night which should not be here and only find themselves here through some bit of carelessness.” At those words an unexpected rage seized Lerne. He flung out his fists and growled: “Wilhelm! Fool! Ass!” What I now felt sure of was that the secrets were considerable and would give me fine surprises were they discovered. As for the doctor’s promises, and his threats, I did not believe in either, and his speech had neither aroused covetousness nor fear in me--the two passions that my uncle wished to make my counselors to obedience. I rejoined coldly: “Is that all you ask of me?”