Dubard was silent again and quite cool, only the slight flush upon his high cheeks told that a fierce anger consumed him.
“If it is put, it will be at your own risk,” he exclaimed at last, placing his forefinger on the table to emphasise his words. “Remember there are many who would gloat over the downfall of Angelo Borselli.”
“And there are more who would like to see me Minister of War.”
“You will never obtain office if you carry out the scheme you have arranged,” Dubard declared. “I think up to the present I have shown myself your friend, for without me you surely could not have done what you have. You have many times admitted that. Why, therefore, do you not take my advice?”
“Because, my dear Jules, you have suddenly turned round and are now championing Morini.”
“No, you mistake me. I am merely warning you in our mutual interests. Morini will retaliate—and if he does—!” And again he shrugged his shoulders significantly.
“Well, and if he does? What can he do?”
“He can make some ugly revelations, you know.”
“I have no fear of anything he may allege,” laughed the other. “He cannot establish his innocence.”
“Then you will not listen to reason and postpone the public sensation you have arranged for this afternoon?”