“How?” said Cerizet.
“In one word—You mean to stay in France, do not you?”
“Yes, monsieur.”
“Well, Georges d’Estourny will never re-enter the country.”
“Pray why?”
“There are five persons at least to my knowledge who would murder him, and he knows it.”
“Then no wonder he is asking me for money enough to start him trading to the Indies?” cried Cerizet. “And unfortunately he has compelled me to risk everything in State speculation. We already owe heavy differences to the house of du Tillet. I live from hand to mouth.”
“Withdraw your stakes.”
“Oh! if only I had known this sooner!” exclaimed Cerizet. “I have missed my chance!”
“One last word,” said Barker. “Keep your own counsel, you are capable of that; but you must be faithful too, which is perhaps less certain. We shall meet again, and I will help you to make a fortune.”