"And you are at the head of this establishment?" continued Ben.
"I have that honor, my young friend," answered Bourdon.
"Then I wish to tell you that Major Grafton has deceived you. He has an object to serve in having me locked up here."
"Doubtless," answered the doctor, with an amused smile, taking a pinch of snuff.
"He is afraid I would reveal a secret which would strip him of his income," continued Ben.
"And that secret is——?" said the doctor, not without curiosity.
Ben answered this question as briefly and clearly as he could.
The doctor listened with real interest, and it might have been satisfactory to Ben had he known that his story was believed. M. Bourdon was a shrewd man of the world, and it struck him that this knowledge might enable him to demand more extortionate terms of Major Grafton.
"Don't you believe me?" asked Ben, watching the face of his listener.