"Gently, Monsieur Henri, gently, if you please," whined the old man, "I was only thinking what is always the case: 'Look for the woman!'"
"The disappearance of the document," continued de Loubersac, "is coincident with the death of Captain Brocq—so it is supposed."...
He stopped and stared at Vagualame, who was rubbing his hands, simulating an extreme satisfaction, and mumbling with an air of enjoyment:
"Women! Always the dear women!... Ah, these dear and damnable women!"
He resumed his serious expression: his manner was decided.
"Monsieur Henri," he declared, "I will find it; but the price is fifty thousand francs."
"What!" De Loubersac was startled.
Vagualame raised his hand as if taking heaven to witness that his statement was final.
"Not a sou more! Not a sou less! Fifty thousand is the price: fifty thousand!"
Henri de Loubersac hesitated a second, then concluded the interview.