“Leaving your feathers behind.”
“As you say. But as few as possible. I have already turned round about and effected a counter-operation.”
“You rogue! You will end by earning money, where we lose everything!” replied Agostini, pale with anger.
“If I do so, it is because I am not so stupid as you, who can do nothing but spend it.”
Hans burst into a laugh. As Agostini seemed to be on the point of losing his temper, he laid his hand on his arm, and forced him to keep his seat.
“Old money-bags is right; but we must not act like horses when there is no hay in the rack, and begin to fight. Let us study the situation, and see what can be done. First of all, what does the beauty say? Up to the present she has not spoken a word. Still, she must have an opinion on the matter; we will allow her to give it first.”
The Baroness appeared to awake from a reverie, and she said, in disdainful tones—
“It is not my custom desperately to follow up badly-conceived operations. You know what I have always told you since the Vanves night: that there was an evil spell over the whole affair. You will arrive at no successful end. After all, you have obtained half of what you wanted—the war powder. Follow the example Lichtenbach sets you. Give it up, and pass on to something else.”
“Something else, indeed!” growled Hans. “No, I shall not let go an affair which has cost me so dear. Some one must pay me for the arm I have lost!”
“Well, what plan have you to offer?” asked the Baroness, impatiently.