"You know the name of Jacques Dollon?"
"Yes. I knew young Dollon. He was introduced to me by Madame de Vibray, who asked me to give him a helping hand, and I willingly did so. I can only regret now that my confidence was so ill placed."
"Do you believe him guilty then?... Not really?"
"I certainly do!... So do all your readers, monsieur. Is that not so?"
But, whilst Monsieur Barbey was regarding Fandor with some astonishment because of his half-avowal, that he himself was not sure of Dollon's guilt, the door was flung open with violence, and Monsieur Nanteuil, out of breath, looking thoroughly upset, rushed into the room, followed by five or six men unknown to Jérôme Fandor, and showing traces of fatigue and emotion also.
"Good Heavens! What is it?" cried Monsieur Barbey, rising to meet his partner....
"The matter is," cried Monsieur Nanteuil, "that an abominable robbery has just been committed...."
"Where?"
"Rue du Quatre Septembre!..." Still panting, he began to give details....
Fandor did not wait to hear more. He rushed from the Barbey-Nanteuil bank and made for the place de l'Opéra at top speed.