“We will arrive in the evening; it is the best time to make a début, and you shall all follow next day, when we have prepared the way.”
“Very well.”
“But every ambassador, besides a secretary, must have a valet de chambre. You, captain,” said Don Manoël, addressing one of the gang, “shall take this part.”
The captain bowed.
“And the money for the purchases?” said Manoël. “I have nothing.”
“I have a little,” said Beausire, “but it belongs to my mistress. What have we in our fund?”
“Your keys, gentlemen,” said the banker.
Each drew out a key, which opened one of twelve locks in the table; so that none of these honest associates could open it without all the others. They went to look.
“One hundred and ninety-eight louis, besides the reserve fund,” said the banker.
“Give them to M. Beausire and me. It is not too much,” said Manoël.