"An affecting confession," the stranger observed laughingly.
"Business is business, I risk my soul in serving you."
"As for your soul, my dear sir, reassure yourself; in that quarter you have nothing to risk. But I will give you the satisfaction you desire."
And taking a dark lanthorn from under his cloak, he let the light play on the diamond.
The Major only required one glance to assure himself of the value of the rich reward offered him.
"Are you satisfied?" the stranger asked, as he placed the lanthorn again under his cloak.
"Here is the proof," the Major answered, as he concealed the box, and handed him a bundle of papers.
"What is this?" the stranger inquired.
"Papers of great importance for you, in the sense that they will tell you who the Count's friends are, and the means they can employ to restore him to liberty."
"Bravo!" the stranger exclaimed, as he eagerly took the bundle of papers; "I no longer regret having paid so heavy a price for your assistance. Now we have discussed every point, I think?"