"Do not speak to me about republicans!" exclaimed Fougereuse, angrily.
"Let me finish, Monsieur le Marquis. My news is authentic. The attempt will perhaps be made in a few weeks, and then it will be a question of sauve qui peut! Through a wonderful chain of circumstances the plans of the secret society came into my hands. I could go to the king now and name him all the conspirators who threaten his life, but what would be my reward? With a servant little ado is made. His information is taken, its truth secretly looked into and he is given a small sum of money with a letter saying that he must have been deceived. If the Marquis of Fougereuse, on the other hand, should come, he is immediately master of the situation. The matter is investigated, the king calls him his savior, and his fortune is made."
The marquis sprung up in excitement.
"And you are in a position to give me the plans of this society? You know who the conspirators are?" he exclaimed, with sparkling eyes.
"Yes, my lord."
"You would allow me to reap the profit of your discovery?"
"Yes, my lord; I am in the first place a faithful servant."
"Simon, let us stop this talk with turned down cards. What do you wish in return?"
"Nothing, my lord; I depend upon your generosity."
"You shall not have cause to regret it," said the marquis, drawing a deep breath. "Should I succeed in securing an influential position at court, you shall be the first to profit by it."