“And in the mean time you are going to do all you can in his favor?”

“I have already had the honor of telling you that I cannot do anything.”

“Well, well. One knows what talking means, and you will not change my idea of your importance. You take the weaker side then; that’s superb!”

“It is but strictly honest,” said Marechal. “It is true that that quality has become very rare!”

Cayrol wheeled round on his heels. He took a few steps toward the door, then, returning to Marechal, held out his hand:

“Without a grudge, eh?”

The secretary allowed his hand to be shaken without answering, and the banker went out, saying to himself:

“He is without a sou and has prejudices! There’s a lad without a future.”

[ [!-- H2 anchor --] ]

CHAPTER IV. THE RIVALS