David Séchard’s undertakings were thus worded in the deed:—
“M. David Séchard, printer of Angoulême, affirming that he has
discovered a method of sizing paper-pulp in the vat, and also a
method of affecting a reduction of fifty per cent in the price of
all kinds of manufactured papers, by introducing certain vegetable
substances into the pulp, either by intermixture of such
substances with the rags already in use, or by employing them
solely without the addition of rags: a partnership for working the
patent to be presently applied for is entered upon by M. David
Séchard and the firm of Cointet Brothers, subject to the following
conditional clauses and stipulations.”
One of the clauses so drafted that David Séchard forfeited all his rights if he failed to fulfil his engagements within the year; the tall Cointet was particularly careful to insert that clause, and David Séchard allowed it to pass.
When Petit-Claud appeared with a copy of the agreement next morning at half-past seven o’clock, he brought news for David and his wife. Cérizet offered twenty-two thousand francs for the business. The whole affair could be signed and settled in the course of the evening. “But if the Cointets knew about it,” he added, “they would be quite capable of refusing to sign the deed of partnership, of harassing you, and selling you up.”
“Are you sure of payment?” asked Eve. She had thought it hopeless to try to sell the business; and now, to her astonishment, a bargain which would have been their salvation three months ago was concluded in this summary fashion.
“The money has been deposited with me,” he answered succinctly.
“Why, here is magic at work!” said David, and he asked Petit-Claud for an explanation of this piece of luck.
“No,” said Petit-Claud, “it is very simple. The merchants in L’Houmeau want a newspaper.”
“But I am bound not to publish a paper,” said David.
“Yes, you are bound, but is your successor?—However it is,” he continued, “do not trouble yourself at all; sell the business, pocket the proceeds, and leave Cérizet to find his way through the conditions of the sale—he can take care of himself.”