Once they really believed the fatal hour had come, and great was their alarm! The presence had been announced of an agent from the French Government commissioned to plunder the Italian money-lenders. He called upon my father to offer him a share in the prospective treasure; but only Dermoncourt was at home. That gentleman listened quietly to all the suggested projects made by that bird of prey, and to all his offers to my father of a share in the booty. Then, when he had done, Dermoncourt said:
"How did you come here?"
"Why, by carriage."
"Very well, my advice to you is to go back the same way you came, without even seeing the general."
"Why so?" asked the traveller.
"Why, because he is the very devil when certain proposals are made to him."
"Bah! I will dress these up so fine he will soon listen to them."
"You really intend to try him?"
"Why, certainly I do."
"Then go and try."