“Immediately, monsieur.”
They went up and the money was found all right.
Ducorneau gave his key to Beausire, who kept it for some time, pretending to admire its ingenious construction, while he cleverly took the impression of it in wax. Then he gave it back, saying, “Keep it, M. Ducorneau; it is better in your hands than in mine. Let us now go to the ambassador.”
They found Don Manoël drinking chocolate, and apparently much occupied with a paper covered with ciphers.
“Do you understand the ciphers used in the late correspondence?” said he to the chancellor.
“No, your excellency.”
“I should wish you to learn it; it will save me a great deal of trouble. What about the box?” said he to Beausire.
“Perfectly correct, like everything else with which M. Ducorneau has any connection.”
“Well, sit down, M. Ducorneau; I want you to give me some information. Do you know any honest jewelers in Paris?”
“There are MM. Bœhmer and Bossange, jewelers to the queen.”