It was clear to Riviere that he must make the journey to Paris if he
were to unravel the mystery of that astounding statement. The dead
Clifford Matheson mentioned authoritatively as Chairman of the new
company! Why should such an impossible story be set afloat, and what was
the "reliable source" spoken of? He knew that the _Europe Chronicle_
though a sensational paper, would not print self-invented fiction on its
financial page.
"I have an urgent call to Paris," he told Elaine. "I hope you will
excuse my running away so brusquely? I'll be back before the day of your
operation."
"Of course, I excuse you," she replied readily. "I know that something
very important is calling you. And in any case, what right would I have
to say yes or no to a private decision of your own?"
There leapt in her a sudden hope that he would answer from the heart.
But his reply held nothing beyond a bare statement. "This matter is
extremely urgent. I propose to catch a night train to Paris and be back
by to-morrow evening. Is there anything I can do for you before I go?"
"I have everything ... but my sight."
"And that, Dr Hegelmann will give you within the month!" he affirmed.
In Paris early the next morning, Riviere sought out the financial editor
of the _Europe Chronicle_. At a face-to-face interview, Riviere's
personality impressed, and the newspaper man showed himself quite
willing to prove the _bona fides_ of his journal.
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