“I must have fallen asleep,” he said. “I’m very sorry. What is the time?”
Bigourdin pulled out his watch.
“Midnight,” said he.
Fortinbras rose, passed both hands over his white flowing hair.
“I too, like Clothilde, haven’t slept for two or three nights. Sleep came upon me all of a sudden, let me see——” he touched his broad forehead—“you brought me back here for some purpose.”
“I did,” said Bigourdin. “Come and see.”
He took the lamp from the table and led his brother-in-law into the bedroom.
“I told you so,” said he, pointing to the bed.
The upper ticking had been ripped clean away. And there, in the horsehair, on the side where Cécile had slept, were five or six odd little nests. And each nest was stuffed tight with banknotes and gold.