the African Railways scandal by bringing about a Commission of Inquiry,all the strings of which would be pulled by himself. There was soon aperfect understanding between the three men, for nothing draws peoplemore closely together than common interest, fear and need. Accordingly,when Duvillard spoke of Duthil's business, the young lady whom he wishedto recommend, the Minister declared that it was settled. A very nicefellow was Duthil, they needed a good many like him. And it was alsoagreed that Chaigneux' future son-in-law should have his secretaryship.Poor Chaigneux! He was so devoted, always ready to undertake anycommission, and his four women folk led him such a hard life!
"Well, then, it's understood." And Monferrand, Duvillard and Fonseguevigorously shook hands.
However, when the first accompanied the others to the door, he noticed aprelate, in a cassock of fine material, edged with violet, speaking to apriest in the ante-room. Thereupon he, the Minister, hastened forward,looking much distressed. "Ah! you were waiting, Monseigneur Martha! Comein, come in quick!"
But with perfect urbanity the Bishop refused. "No, no, Monsieur l'AbbeFroment was here before me. Pray receive him first."Monferrand had to give way; he admitted the priest, and speedily dealtwith him. He who usually employed the most diplomatic reserve when he wasin presence of a member of the clergy plumply unfolded the Barthesbusiness. Pierre had experienced the keenest anguish during the two hoursthat he had been waiting there, for he could only explain the letter hehad received by a surmise that the police had discovered his brother'spresence in his house. And so when he heard the Minister simply speak ofBarthes, and declare that the government would rather see him go intoexile than be obliged to imprison him once more, he remained for a momentquite disconcerted. As the police had been able to discover the oldconspirator in the little house at Neuilly, how was it that they seemedaltogether ignorant of Guillaume's presence there? It was, however, theusual gap in the genius of great detectives."Pray what do you desire of me, Monsieur le Ministre?" said Pierre atlast; "I don't quite understand.""Why, Monsieur l'Abbe, I leave all this to your sense of prudence. Ifthat man were still at your house in forty-eight hours from now, weshould be obliged to arrest him there, which would be a source of griefto us, for we are aware that your residence is the abode of every virtue.So advise him to leave France. If he does that we shall not trouble him."Then Monferrand hastily brought Pierre back to the ante-room; and,smiling and bending low, he said: "Monseigneur, I am entirely at yourdisposal. Come in, come in, I beg you."The prelate, who was gaily chatting with Duvillard and Fonsegue, shookhands with them, and then with Pierre. In his desire to win all hearts,he that morning displayed the most perfect graciousness. His bright,black eyes were all smiles, the whole of his handsome face wore acaressing expression, and he entered the ministerial sanctum leisurelyand gracefully, with an easy air of conquest.And now only Monferrand and Monseigneur Martha were left, talking on andon in the deserted building. Some people had thought that the prelate
