Sainte-Croix Surprised by Exili
Dreux d’Aubray, and witness the result of certain chemical tests which I have written down, and which will be delivered to the police by a trusty acquaintance when he hears of my death.’
Sainte-Croix’s arm fell, with the weapon by his side. He gazed at Exili, with his brows knit in corrugations of painful intensity.
‘What do you want?’ he asked, in a thick, quivering voice.
‘The trade of sorcerer is failing,’ continued Exili; ‘we are compelled to burrow like animals underground, and dare not face the day. That of poisoner is in a yet worse position, thanks to the lieutenant of police, M. de la Reynie. I must have money to enable me to retire, and die elsewhere than on the Grêve.’
‘I am ruined,’ replied Gaudin. ‘This evening’s play has robbed me of the last sum I possessed.’
‘But you expect more,’ he replied, ‘when madame’s brothers are removed. M. d’Aubray was rich, and, in fault of other children, she will be sole heiress, beyond a trifling annuity to her sister, who has for some years retired from the world. You know this, and have calculated on it.’
They returned no reply. Exili took a small roll of parchment from his vest—the portion of some old deed—and continued—
‘What is easier than for you to give me your promise that I shall share this wealth with you? I have drawn up the conditions.’