"
The exchange was made. Daspry pocketed the document and the
checks, and offered the packet of letters to Mon. Andermatt.
"This is what you wanted, Monsieur."
The banker hesitated a moment, as if he were afraid to touch those
cursed letters that he had sought so eagerly. Then, with a nervous
movement, he took them. Close to me, I heard a moan. I grasped
Madame Andermatt's hand. It was cold.
"I believe, monsieur," said Daspry to the banker, "that our
business is ended. Oh! no thanks. It was only by a mere chance
that I have been able to do you a good turn. Good-night."
Mon. Andermatt retired. He carried with him the letters written by
his wife to Louis Lacombe.
"Marvelous!" exclaimed Daspry, delighted. "Everything is coming
our way. Now, we have only to close our little affair, comrade.
You have the papers?"
"Here they are--all of them."
Daspry examined them carefully, and then placed them in his pocket.
"Quite right. You have kept your word," he said.
"But---"
"But what?"
"The two checks? The money?" said Varin, eagerly.
"Well, you have a great deal of assurance, my man. How dare you
ask such a thing?"
"I ask only what is due to me.
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