suddenly the whole thing collapses, for Catenac has acted as mediator.  He has even settled the disputes of murderers quarreling over their booty.  But he has even gone farther than this.  More than once he has said of himself, “I have passed through the vilest masses of corruption.”  In his office in the Rue Jacob he has heard whispered conferences which were enough to bring down the roof above his head.  Of course this was the most lucrative business that passed into Catenac’s hands.  The client conceals nothing from his attorney, and he belongs to him as absolutely as the sick man belongs to his physician or the penitent to his confessor.

“Well, my dear Baptiste,” said he, “here I am; you summoned me, and I am obedient to the call.”

“Sit down,” replied Mascarin gravely.

“Thanks, my friend, many thanks, a thousand thanks; but I am much hurried; indeed I have not a moment to spare.  I have matters on my hands of life and death.”

“But for all that,” remarked Hortebise, “you can sit down for a moment.  Baptiste has something to say to you which is as important as any of your matters can be.”

With a frank and genial smile Catenac obeyed; but in his heart were anger and an abject feeling of alarm.

“What is it that is so important?” asked he.

Mascarin had risen and locked the door.  When he had resumed his seat he said,—­

“The facts are very simple.  Hortebise and I have decided to put our great plan into execution, which we have as yet only discussed generally with you.  We have the Marquis de Croisenois with us.”

“My dear sir,” broke in the lawyer.

“Wait a little; we must have your assistance, and——­”

Catenac rose from his seat.  “That is enough,” said he.  “You have made a very great mistake if it is on this matter that you have sent for me; I told you this before.”

He was turning away, and looking for his hat, proposed to beat a retreat; but Dr. Hortebise stood between him and the door, gazing upon him with no friendly expression of countenance.  Catenac was not a man to be easily alarmed, but the doctor’s appearance was so threatening, and the smile upon Mascarin’s lips was of so deadly a character, that he stood still, positively frightened into immobility.

“What do you mean?” stammered he; “what is it you say now?”

“First,” replied the doctor, speaking slowly and distinctly,—­“first, we wish that you should listen to us when we speak to you.”

“I am listening.”

“Then sit down again, and hear what Baptiste has to say.”

The command Catenac had over his countenance was so great that it was impossible to see to what conclusion he had arrived from the words and manner of his confederates.

“Then let Baptiste explain himself,” said he.

“Before entering into matters completely,” said he coolly, “I first want to ask our dear friend and associate if he is prepared to act with us?”