He also drew forth some skeleton keys, a burglar's jemmy in two sections, a pair of india-rubber gloves, a small, thin saw, and an electric pocket-lamp, all of which he carefully stowed away in his pockets. The contents of that drawer were a startling revelation to Jean. He had always kept it locked, and she had often wondered what it contained. Now that she knew she stood staggered. She looked in horror at the revolver he held in his hand, and then with a sudden movement she flung herself upon him and grasped his arms, appealing to him for the sake of her love to desist from such an adventure. Quick and passionate came the words, the full, fervent appeal of a woman deeply and honestly in love. But he heeded not either her tears or her words, and only cast her from him with a rough malediction, declaring her to be an encumbrance. "But think!" she cried. "Now that I know what you are I am in deadly fear that--that one day they may come, Ralph, and take you away from me." And she stood pale-faced and trembling before him. "Ah, never fear, my girl," replied her husband. "They'll never have me. They've tried a good many times, haven't they Adolphe?" and he laughed defiantly. "The police! Zut! I do not fear them!" and he snapped his thin, long fingers in contempt. "But one day, dear--one day they may be successful. And--and what should I do?" "Do?" he asked. "Well, if I were put away I suppose you'd have to do as a good many other women have done." She looked at him very straight in deep reproach, but uttered no word. Disillusionment had fallen upon her, and utterly crushed her. Ralph--her Ralph--the man in whom all her love, all her thoughts, all her sympathies were centred, was a thief, and, further, he had cursed her as an encumbrance. The poor girl drew her hand across her brow as though unable to actually realise the astounding facts. She was stunned by the hideous truth which had that evening been revealed. The blow had in an instant crushed all the light out of her life. She now realised the reason of those many secret conferences with Carlier, and certain other rather disreputable-looking companions, jail-birds, without a doubt. She knew why he was sometimes absent all night, why he had stolen in, weary and worn, in the early hours of the morning, and why, on one occasion, he had remained in the house for two whole weeks and had never once gone out. "Well, now you know the truth, girl, I hope you won't ask any more inquisitive questions," Ralph said, noticing how strangely she had stared at him. "Our business concerns nobody but ourselves--you understand?" "Yes, I understand," she replied, slowly, in a strange, hard voice. "I understand, too, Ralph, that you no longer love me, or you would never have spoken to me as you have to-night." And she burst into tears. "Ralph, Ralph, this is too bad!" protested his friend. "You ought to have a little pity for poor madame--you really ought."