"Notes to an immense amount!" cried Auriol, opening the pocket-book, and glancing at its contents.
"They are yours, together with the house," cried Rougemont, "if you will but sign a compact with me."
"A compact!" cried Auriol, regarding him with a look of undefinable terror. "Who and what are you?"
"Some men would call me the devil!" replied Rougemont carelessly. "But you know me too well to suppose that I merit such a designation. I offer you wealth. What more could you require?"
"But upon what terms?" demanded Auriol.
"The easiest imaginable," replied the other. "You shall judge for yourself."
And as he spoke, he opened a writing-desk upon the table, and took from it a parchment.
"Sit down," he added, "and read this."
Auriol complied, and as he scanned the writing he became transfixed with fear and astonishment, while the pocket-book dropped from his grasp.