"Here they are," replied Lecour, opening his purse and handing over the gold.
The genealogist's ruddy face twinkled.
"Now," said Germain, "this gentleman of whom you spoke is my relative. I desire to see him."
"To some men," replied the other, "I would say Monsieur de Lincy is part of my professional plant, and I cannot give you the information. To you, sir, it shall be different, for I take you for a man of honour, and all I desire is your word that nothing will be done by you without payment of such fees as I may ask."
"Agreed," returned Germain, repressing his expectancy.
"Then you can be conducted to him in the morning, and it must be by myself, for otherwise he would not trust you. Will you accept a lodging with me, a plain room, but no worse than at an inn."
Lecour only too gladly accepted the refuge; but before retiring he said—
"My name is Lecour."
"I knew it," returned the genealogist. "Have no fear of my confidence. I am not like the vipers who throng my profession. To proceed a step further, I venture boldly the theory, sir, that you are the Monsieur Lecour de Répentigny about whose title there has just been some little question."
Germain's heart jumped, and he sat for a moment speechless.