“It is not a question of gratitude,” interrupted Fandor sharply. “We have to deal with very strong opponents. I say ‘we’ because I have become more and more personally involved in all these crime-tragedies. Believe me, I speak from five years’ experience as a reporter, who has had to report, on an average, one crime a day!... Up to now, nothing, absolutely nothing, has hindered the criminals from executing their plans; but, warned in time, we may be able to thwart them.”

“But,” interrupted Monsieur Barbey, who had grown more and more serious, “what are you driving at?” Fandor felt that the decisive moment had arrived.

Bending across the table, his face almost touching the faces of the two men, he said slowly and distinctly:

“Messieurs, I have asked La Capitale to grant me three days’ leave. I have brought a little travelling bag with me: here it is! Leaving home as I did about half an hour ago, I consider I have arrived at the end of my journey!... Will you offer me hospitality for the next forty-eight hours?... I know that you, Monsieur Nanteuil, live above your offices, whilst Monsieur Barbey goes home every evening to his place at Saint-Germain. I ask you to give up your room to me, for I am determined not to leave here for an instant!” Fandor, in his eagerness, had spoken faster and faster, and his heart was beating violently. He stared fixedly at the two men; he quite expected that his demand would excite astonishment; that objections would be raised; and he was ready with a crowd of arguments by which to convince them and carry his point... But, the surprise was his, for the bankers did not seem particularly astonished.

They consulted each other with a look. Then, as Barbey opened his mouth to reply, Nanteuil began to speak, rising politely at the same time.

“Monsieur Fandor, your last statements and remarks are too serious to be passed over lightly. Your offer is too generous to be rejected without consideration. Will you allow us to retire for a minute or two: my partner and I will discuss the question.”

For about ten minutes Fandor marched up and down the sumptuous room. Then one of the padded doors opened silently, and Barbey entered more solemn than ever; Nanteuil was smiling.

“Monsieur,” said Barbey, in weighty tones, “my partner and I, in view of the exceptional seriousness of the situation, for your words carry conviction, have come to a decision: we beg of you to consider yourself our guest from this moment, and to consider this house as your own!”

“And it is understood, of course, that you dine with us this evening!” added Nanteuil with friendly graciousness.