“I have 500,000 francs?”
“30,000 in gold, 11,000 in silver, and the rest in notes, which are in this buhl cabinet.”
The cardinal turned white. “You knew this?”
“Yes, monseigneur, and I know you have made great sacrifices to obtain it. I have heard that you will pay heavily for it.”
“Oh, it is too true!”
“But, monseigneur, during these ten years I have often been in want and embarrassment, yet I have kept this paper back, so as not to trouble you; therefore I do not think you can complain.”
“Complain! oh, no, sir; when you graciously lent me such a sum, I must ever remain your debtor. But during those ten years there were twenty occasions when I could have repaid you with ease, while to-day the restitution you demand embarrasses me dreadfully. You, who know everything, who read even hearts, and penetrate the doors of cabinets, doubtless, know also the purpose for which this money was destined.”
“You are wrong, monseigneur,” said Cagliostro, coldly. “My knowledge has brought me so much misery and disappointment, that I no longer seek to penetrate the secrets of others. It concerned me to know whether you had this money, as I wished to claim it; but once having ascertained that, I did not trouble myself to think for what purpose it was destined. Besides, did I know it, it might seem so grave a matter as almost to force me to waive my claim, which really at present I cannot afford to do. Therefore, I prefer to be ignorant.”
“Oh, monsieur,” cried the cardinal, “do not think I wish to parade my embarrassments in order to elude my debt! You have your own interests to look to; they are guaranteed by this paper, which bears my signature—that is enough. You shall have your money, although I do not think there was any promise to pay.”
“Your eminence is mistaken;” and opening the paper he read these words: