The countenance of the young man suddenly brightened, and it was with a smile on his lips that he added—
"And during this time I shall be free to dispose of myself as I like."
"Absolutely."
"Well," pursued he, grasping heartily the hand of M. Dubois, "I do not know why, but I begin to be of your opinion."
"In what way?" said the diplomatist, surprised at the sudden change manifested by the young man.
"I believe that all will finish better than I at first thought."
And after having ceremoniously saluted the old man, he left the saloon and went to his apartments.
M. Dubois followed him a moment with his eyes.
"He meditates some folly," murmured he, shaking his head several times. "In his own interest I will watch him."
[1] See "The Guide of the Desert."