"I do not so much want to catch the thief as to possess myself of the money," he said.
"You are charitable, Monsieur Giraud."
"No—I am poor."
Devar laughed in the pleasantest manner imaginable.
"And of course," he said, indicating the Frenchman's maimed hand, which was usually in evidence, "you are unable to undertake the search yourself?"
"As yet."
"Then you intend ultimately to join in the chase—you are a great sportsman, I hear?"
The graceful compliment was not lost upon Alphonse, who beamed upon his interlocutor.
"In a small way—in a small way," he answered. "Yes, when they strike a really good scent I shall follow, wounds or no wounds."
At this Mr. Devar expressed some concern, and made himself additionally agreeable. He refused still to be seated, saying that he had but come to ascertain the dinner hour on the following Thursday. Nevertheless, he prolonged his stay and made himself vastly fascinating.