Mr. Roquevillard, summoning his courage to meet this blow of fate, said nothing, while the prosecutor turned the insoluble problem over and over again. “There are presumptions against him, serious, precise and corroborating. In the first place the facilities of his position in the office, then his presence there last night with the keys, after the other clerks had gone, his lack of resources with which to carry through this bold elopement, and even his pains to limit the sum he took, as if he were fixing the rating of a loan he expected to repay.” “There are other presumptions in his favour,” replied the father proudly. “In the first place, his family. The last of a long line of honest people does not lie. And who told you that he left without any money? When his own money is used up, he’ll come back. I’ll answer for it.” Their interview was interrupted by an attendant coming to summon the lawyer, for whose argument the court was waiting. “I’ll follow,” said Mr. Roquevillard, motioning him away. “But he has been accused. How will he defend himself?” asked Mr. Vallerois. “You must realise that he has a bad case. Evidence accumulates against him. And even on the most favourable hypothesis he must accuse some one else to clear himself. Do you wish that? And he will pass always as having been an accomplice. At all events, if you know where he is, advise him to wait there before he re-enters France. I will deal lightly in the matter of the extradition.” Mr. Roquevillard shook his head energetically. “No, no. To run away is to confess. He must come back. I shall find proof of his innocence.” And after a moment of reflection, during which he weighed the pros and cons, he added: “Since our misfortune touches you, Mr. Prosecutor, give me leave to ask a service of you, a great service which may yet save us.” “Which is?” “Propose to Frasne that he withdraw his complaint in consideration of the full payment to him of one hundred thousand francs.” “You would make restitution?” “I will pay him the money.” “And if your son is not guilty?” “He’s in a situation from which there’s no way out, as you have said. Our honour is worth more than that. Even pursuit must splash mud on it.” “Mr. Frasne is supposed to be close. His complaint perhaps is only a way of putting himself in funds again. Try him with half of it.” “No; no bargaining. Full payment in consideration of withdrawal.” The attorney was much distressed; naturally desirous of quiet and propriety, he fell back now on his professional scruples. “You are right, and I want to oblige you, especially in view of the sacrifice you propose. But does it become my character to risk such an abnormal step?” Mr. Roquevillard put a little emotion in his reply. “It’s abnormal, yes. But time presses. I am pleading in court. In a little while the complaint will be noised about. You alone know of it and can still suspend it. Quash it. I beg of you.”