“And you leave your entire fortune thus in his hands! You must have marvellous confidence in the man.”
“As much as in myself.”
“That is a good deal. And if he should, during your absence, run away with the fifty thousand dollars?”
Daniel was a little shaken; but he remained firm.
“Oh!” he said, “there are still some honest people in the world.”
“Ah?” laughed the notary.
And, from the manner in which he shook his head, it was clearly seen that experience had made him very sceptical on that subject.
“If you would only listen to me,” he resumed, “I could prove to you”—
But Daniel interrupted him, and said,—
“I have no desire, sir, to change my mind; but, even if I should wish to do so, I cannot retract my word. There are particular circumstances in this case which I cannot explain to you in so short a time.”