Goudar made no reply; but his eyes spoke.

“It is a most interesting case, this case of M. de Boiscoran,” continued M. Folgat, “and such as does not occur often.  The man who should expose the emptiness of the accusation would make a great reputation for himself.”

“Would he make friends also at the bar?”

“I admit he would not.”

The detective shook his head.

“Well, I confess,” he said, “I do not work for glory, nor from love of my art.  I know very well that vanity is the great motive-power with some of my colleagues; but I am more practical.  I have never liked my profession; and, if I continue to practise it, it is because I have not the money to go into any other.  It drives my wife to despair, besides:  she is only half alive as long as I am away; and she trembles every morning for fear I may be brought home with a knife between my shoulders.”

M. Folgat had listened attentively; but at the same time he had pulled out a pocket-book, which looked decidedly plethoric, and placed it on the table.

“With fifteen thousand francs,” he said, “a man may do something.”

“That is true.  There is a piece of land for sale adjoining my garden, which would suit me exactly.  Flowers bring a good price in Paris, and that business would please my wife.  Fruit, also yields a good profit.”

The advocate knew now that he had caught his man.

“Remember, too, my dear Goudar, that, if you succeed, these fifteen thousand francs would only be a part payment.  They might, perhaps, double the sum.  M. de Boiscoran is the most liberal of men, and he would take pleasure in royally rewarding the man who should have saved him.”

As he spoke, he opened the pocket-book, and drew from it fifteen thousand-franc notes, which he spread out on the table.

“To any one but to you,” he went on, “I should hesitate to pay such a sum in advance.  Another man might take the money, and never trouble himself about the affair.  But I know your uprightness; and, if you give me your word in return for the notes, I shall be satisfied.  Come, shall it be so?”

The detective was evidently not a little excited; for, self-possessed as he was, he had turned somewhat pale.  He hesitated, handled the bank-notes, and then, all of a sudden, said,—­

“Wait two minutes.”

He got up instantly, and ran towards the house.

“Is he going to consult his wife?” M. Folgat asked himself.

He did so; for the next moment they appeared at the other end of the walk, engaged in a lively discussion.  However, the discussion did not last long.  Goudar came back to the bower, and said,—­

“Agreed!  I am your man!”

The advocate was delighted, and shook his hand.

“Thank you!” he cried; “for, with your assistance, I am almost sure of success.  Unfortunately, we have no time to lose.  When can you go to work?”