"That's a pity!" he cried, still more cheerfully and with his mouth spreading still farther across his face. "That's a pity! I should have been glad to take you into partnership. However, since you're not willing, I shall act alone, without of course exceeding the rights which I have in the Yard."
"Your rights in the Yard?" I echoed, astounded at his assurance.
"Why, rather!" he answered, with a loud laugh. "My rights: that's the only word."
"I don't follow you."
"I admit that it's not very clear. Well, suppose—you'll soon understand—suppose that I have come into Noël Dorgeroux's property."
I was beginning to lose patience and I took the fellow up sharply:
"I have no time to spare for jesting, sir. Noël Dorgeroux left no relatives except myself."
"I didn't say that I had come into his property as a relative."
"As what, then?"
"As an heir, simply . . . as the lawful heir, specifically named as such by Noël Dorgeroux."