“I know that, and that is the reason why I now entreat you; do you understand me?

I entreat you to restore it to me.”

Fouquet suddenly paused. The words “I entreat you,” the effect of which he did not immediately perceive, seemed almost to choke him as he uttered it. Aramis, still playing with his knife, fixed a look upon Vanel which seemed as if he wished to penetrate the recesses of his heart. Vanel simply bowed, as he said, “I am overcome, monseigneur, at the honor you do me to consult me upon a matter of business which is already completed; but — ”

“Nay, do not say but, dear Monsieur Vanel.”

“Alas! monseigneur, you see,” he said, as he opened a large pocket-book,