Maxime de Brevan," murmured the old man. Then he added in a savage voice,—

"I knew he would come, the scoundrel! to see if the charcoal had done its work."

But the same moment the young man came out again, and jumped into the carriage, which quickly drove off.

"Aha!" laughed the merchant. "No chance for you, my fine fellow! You have lost your game, and you'll have to try your luck elsewhere; and this time I am on hand. I hold you fast; and, instead of one bill to pay, there will be two now."