"Now for us two," Valentine said.
"But the chief," Louis observed: "does he not wish to rest?"
"Do not trouble yourself about him—he is made of iron; but if by any accident sleep comes upon him, you need not be alarmed—he will stretch himself in a corner of this room."
"Very good. Now, then, listen to me."
"I am all attention."
Louis gave his friend a detailed account of all he had done since his return to San Francisco. The narrative was long, for the count had much to tell. Valentine listened with the closest attention, not interrupting him once. The night was far advanced when Louis at length ended his report. Curumilla was still smoking.
When the count stopped there was a moment's silence, and then Valentine took the word.
"You have done miracles. You have accomplished impossibilities."
"Then you are satisfied with me?"
"I admire you. You have displayed in all this business incredible energy and intelligence. Now let us arrive at the financial question."