I had entirely forgotten the purport of my journey.
"You are right," said I. "You are not more than a mile from Havre; oblige me by walking that distance, and arrange matters as best you can."
I had the carriage door opened.
"But, monsieur, once more, it is impossible," resumed the astounded man; "without you I can do nothing. I do not even have your power of attorney. Without you my presence is utterly useless. Come at least as far as Havre; we shall go to a notary, you will give me a power of attorney, and then—"
I was boiling with impatience. "Monsieur," said I, hastily, "you will go on to Havre without me, or you will return to Paris with me. The door is open; you can get down, or remain."
"But, monsieur—"
"Close the door, and off for Paris!" I exclaimed.
The agent at once left the carriage, saying to me, with an air of despair, "As you please, monsieur. I shall have nothing to reproach myself with. You may as well look upon these fifty thousand dollars as lost. Send me, at least, your power of attorney, registered, etc."
I did not hear the rest. The horses had started at full speed.
In my whole life, I had never travelled with such velocity.