"Why not?"

"Because."

"What do you mean?"

"It wouldn't make any difference."

Frank was determined to know what the man meant.

"Have I offended you in any way, M. Mazarin?" he asked.

"No," shortly.

"Then I presume we will be able to make arrangements to travel together, in case I decide to go on the road as a professional magician?"

"No!"

"Can't? I will pay you well. You shall——"