“It has,” remarked Hortebise quietly, “brought us in some years two hundred and fifty thousand francs apiece.”

If M. de Croisenois disliked prosy tales, he by no means underrated the eloquence of figures.  He knew quite enough of Paris to understand that if Mascarin threw his net regularly, he would infallibly catch many fish.  With this conviction firmly implanted in his mind, he did not require much urging to look with favor on the scheme, and, putting on a gracious smile, he now asked, “And what must I do to deserve admission into this association?”

Paul had listened in wonder and terror, but by degrees all feelings of disgust at the criminality of these men faded away before the power that they unquestionably possessed.

“If,” resumed Mascarin, “we have up to this met with no serious obstacles, it is because, though apparently acting rashly, we are in reality most prudent and cautious.  We have managed our slaves well, and have not driven any one to desperation.  But we are beginning to weary of our profession; we are getting old, and we have need of repose.  We intend, therefore, to retire, but before that we wish to have all matters securely settled.  I have an immense mass of documentary evidence, but it is not always easy to realize the value they represent, and I wait upon your assistance to enable me to do so.”

Croisenois’ face fell.  Was he to take compromising letters round to his acquaintances and boldly say, “Your purse or your honor?” He had no objection to share the profits of this ignoble trade, but he objected strongly to showing his connection with it openly.  “No, no,” cried he hastily, “you must not depend upon me.”

He seemed so much in earnest that Hortebise and Catenac exchanged glances of dismay.

“Let us have no nonsense,” returned Mascarin sternly, “and wait a little before you display so much fierceness.  I told you that my documentary evidence was of a peculiar kind.  We very often had among our fish married people who cannot deal with their personal property.  A husband, for instance, will say, ’I can’t take ten thousand francs without my wife, knowing of it.’  Women say, ’Why, I get all my money through my husband,’ and both are telling the truth.  They kneel at my feet and entreat me to have mercy, saying, ’Find me some excuse for using a portion of my funds and you shall have more than you ask.’  For a long time I have sought for this means, and at last I have found it in the Limited Company, which you, Marquis, will float next month.”

“Really!” returned the Marquis.  “I do not see—­”

“I beg your pardon; you see it all clearly.  A husband who cannot, without fear of disturbing his domestic peace, put in five thousand francs, can put in ten thousand if he tells his wife, ’It is an investment;’ and many a wife who has not any money of her own will persuade her husband to bring in the money we require by the proposal to take shares.  Now, what do you say to the idea?”