“And if I could put you in the way of having more louis-d’or than Marzinne has reals?” said the sorcerer in an under-tone.
“You!” cried Bernèz.
“I!”
“And how much do you ask for this?”
“Only to be remembered in your prayers.”
“Then there will be nothing that can compromise my soul?”
“Only courage is required.”
“Tell me, then, what must be done,” cried Bernèz, letting fall his hammer. “If needs be, I am ready to encounter any difficulty.”
The beggar, seeing him thus disposed, related how that on that very night the treasures of the common would be all exposed; but he said nothing at the same time of the way by which the stones were to be avoided as they came trooping back. The young fellow thought nothing was wanting but boldness and a swift step; so he said,
“As sure as I am a living man I will profit by this opportunity, old man; and I shall always be at your service for the notice you have given me of this great chance. Only let me finish the cross I have begun engraving on this stone; when the time comes, I will join you near the little pine-wood.”