"Scoundrel! miserable wretch! Do you really dare to remind me of that?" cried Anselmo, beside himself.
"Why not?"
"If you can do so—no power on earth can induce me to say another word about that horrible affair," said Anselmo, shuddering.
"My nerves are better than yours," laughed Benedetto. "It was only to speak to you about that particular night that I braved the danger of hunting you up. I need you as a witness, and that is why you see me here."
"As a witness?" exclaimed Anselmo, in surprise. "Either you are crazy or else I shall become so. Benedetto, if I open my mouth the gallows will be your fate!"
"That is my business and need not worry you at all. Do you remember the night of the 24th of February, 1839? Yes or no?"
"Yes," groaned Anselmo.
"No jeremiads! Do you also remember the vicarage at Beaussuet?"
"Yes."
"Well, a certain person came expressly from Toulon to see about a sum of money, a million—"