'That is not wont to be M. de Savoye's way,' sneered Lafin, and the Italian rose. 'Very well, messieurs. I will then consider the issue is closed.' 'It matters not a rush to me,' exclaimed de Gomeron; but Lafin, who was moodily plucking at his moustache, spoke again, and the tones of his voice were full of chagrin. 'As you wish--I undertake that the Marshal sees you.' 'Where and when? My time is precious.' 'Here, at ten o'clock to-night.' '_Maledetto!_ This is not a place to come at that hour.' 'It is safe--and it would be safer still if you stayed here till then. The spies of the Master-General--curse him--are everywhere, and M. de Gomeron will guarantee your protection here.' 'I am deeply grateful,' the count bowed slightly, a faint tone of irony in his voice. 'Then you agree?' 'Yes.' 'This being so, perhaps you had better go over these notes that you may be in a position to exactly understand what we can do. Our terms of course are as before, but we will require money, and that at once.' 'But large advances have already been made,' objected the Italian. 'They are gone,' said Lafin. 'How? Nothing has been done; and both Velasco and Savoy are unwilling to throw more money into the business unless some action is taken. How has the money gone?' 'It is gone, and there is an end of it,' exclaimed Lafin sullenly. 'As for the action you wish taken--you have asked to see the Marshal, and he will inform you.' 'Very well! Until then, monsieur, we will not discuss this point further.'