The Joker and the Burglar at once burst into a fit of indignation. They called to mind what the Parisian had told them of the Nut's character, and the rash deeds of which he was capable.
"Oh, the swine! if he's done that, he's robbed us," moaned Monsieur Toulouse.
The Joker rose to his feet and, losing all self-restraint, treated Captain d'Haumont with the familiarity with which he used to treat the Nut.
"Do you think we've come all this way for one hundred and fifty thousand francs?"
"Fifty thousand francs," corrected the Burglar, who knew how to calculate at least as well as the Joker. "Why, we must be dreaming."
"Very well," said the Parisian, who had paused to reflect. "We'll test what you say, and you'll have only yourself to blame if you've lied to us, and it's a bad look-out for you if you've told us the truth."
"It's a certainty that he's telling lies."
"Be quiet," ordered the Parisian. "That's his business. Our business is to receive the money. If you haven't a sou yourself——"
"Then, of course, he must hand over his wife's money."
Didier stood up, pale as death.