The conduct of Paul was precisely what Mascarin had expected, and he felt that the moment had arrived to strike a final blow.
“You must not give way to despair, my boy,” said he.
But Paul made no reply; he had lost the power of hearing. Mascarin, however, had no time to lose, and taking him by the arm, shook him roughly. “Rouse yourself. A man in your position must help himself, and bring forward proofs of his innocence.”
“There is no use in fighting,” replied Paul. “Have you not just shown me that it is hopeless to endeavor to prove my innocence?”
Mascarin grew impatient at this unnecessary exhibition of cowardice, but he concealed his feelings as best he could.
“No, no,” answered he; “I only wished to show you the worst side of the affair.”
“There is only one side.”
“Not so, for it is only a supposition that Tantaine had made away with money entrusted to him, and we are not certain of it. And we only surmise that he has been arrested, and thrown the blame on you. Before giving up the game, would it not be best to be satisfied on these points?”
Paul felt a little reassured.
“I say nothing,” continued Mascarin, “of the influence I exercise over Tantaine, and which may enable me to compel him to confess the truth.”