"First of all, yes. But Colonel Sparmiento could effect that sale just as well. And even better. So there's something more."
"Something more?"
"Come, chief, you're forgetting that Colonel Sparmiento has been the victim of an important robbery and that, though he may be dead, at least his widow remains. So it's his widow who will get the money."
"What money?"
"What money? Why, the money due to her! The insurance-money, of course!"
M. Dudouis was staggered. The whole business suddenly became clear to him, with its real meaning. He muttered:
"That's true!... That's true!... The colonel had insured his tapestries...."
"Rather! And for no trifle either."
"For how much?"
"Eight hundred thousand francs."