The other man guffawed most unpleasantly. This sophistry did not appeal to him.
"Put it any way you like," he said. "You can depend on me for my part of the bargain."
"And you can be quite certain that in a very little while we need not trouble our active wits any further as to the wherewithal to enjoy life. I have thought this idea out in all its bearings. It simply can't fail. Come, let us drink to a glorious future."
He reached for a decanter, but a sudden knock at the door jarred the nerves of both men considerably.
"See who is there," whispered Grenier, whose face showed white through the paint and grease it bore.
"What about you in that rigout?" growled the stronger ruffian.
"I will slip into my bedroom. Quick! See who it is."
Langdon entered.
"Where's Victor?" he said, eagerly.
"In his room; he will be here in a moment. What's the matter? You look pretty glum."