“I think that it is an excellent one, but what part am I to play in it?”

“In taking the part of Chairman of the Company.  I could not do so, being merely the proprietor of a Servant’s Registry Office.  Hortebise, as a doctor, and more than all a homeopath, would inspire no confidence, and Catenac’s legal profession prevents him appearing in the matter openly.  He will act as our legal adviser.”

“But really I do not see anything about me that would induce people to invest,” remarked De Croisenois.

“You are too modest; you have your name and rank, which, however we may look upon them, have a great effect upon the general public.  There are many Companies who pay directors of rank and credible connection very largely.  Before starting this enterprise you can settle all your debts, and the world will then conclude that you are possessed of great wealth, while, at the same time, the news of your approaching marriage with Mademoiselle du Mussidan will be the general talk of society.  What better position could you be in?”

“But I have the reputation of being a reckless spendthrift.”

“All the better.  The day the prospectus comes out with your name at the head of it, there will be a universal burst of laughter.  Men will say, ’Do you see what Croisenois is at now?  What on earth possessed him to go into Company work?’ But as this proceeding on your part will have paid your debts and given you Mademoiselle Sabine’s dowry, I think that the laugh will be on your side.”

The prospect dazzled Des Croisenois.

“And suppose I accept,” asked he, “what will be the end of the farce?”

“Very simple.  When all the shares are taken up, you will close the office and let the Company look after itself.”

Croisenois started to his feet angrily.  “Why,” cried he, “you intend to make a catspaw of me!  Such a proceeding would send me to penal servitude.”

“What an ungrateful man he is!” said Mascarin, appealing to his audience, “when I am doing all I can to prevent his going there.”

“Sir!”

But Catenac now felt it time to interfere.  “You do not understand,” remarked he, addressing Croisenois.  “You will start a Company for the development of some native product, let us say Pyrenean marble, for instance, issue a prospectus, and the shares will be at once taken up by Mascarin’s clients.”

“Well, what happens then?”

“Why, out of the funds thus obtained we will take care when the crash comes to reimburse any outsiders who may have taken shares in the concern, telling them that the thing has been a failure, and that we are ruined; while Mascarin will take care to obtain from all his clients a discharge in full, so the Company will quietly collapse.”

“But,” objected the Marquis, “all the shareholders will know that I am a rogue.”

“Naturally.”

“They would hold me in utter contempt.”