"But how? Do tell us," they both exclaimed.
"I make it a rule of my life never to discuss anything I intend to do until it is accomplished."
"But, my dear professor, you might at least give us some outline of the method you intend to employ, especially as we are such good friends, and besides we might be able to help you."
"Can you keep a secret?" he asked them.
"Of course we can," they replied, eager to get the news.
"So can I," he replied with a merry chuckle, and one of his beaming smiles.
"What an extraordinary man," said Beaupaire.
"Now, listen," said the professor. "I have already had a talk with Dr. and Madame Villebois and with our friends Marcel and Riche, and they have all agreed to my plan to take the train on Monday night to Beaulieu, which is the next station to Monaco, and I trust that both of you gentlemen will be able to accompany us."
Payot rubbed his hands with excitement and they both eagerly assented.
"Why is he going to Beaulieu of all places in the world?" Payot asked himself, "I wonder whether it has anything to do with his promise to restore my fortune? He can't surely be insane enough to imagine that he can recover the money by gambling at Monte Carlo. The professor is certainly eccentric, but I credit him with more common-sense than to do that. However, we shall see."