Part 24 (1/2)

Pierquin A hundred thousand francs!

Mercadet Let the stock be depressed below par, and then buy it in, and-- (handing him a letter) see that this letter appears in the evening paper. This evening, at Tortoni's, you will see an immediate rise in the quotations. Now be quick about this.

Pierquin I will fly. Good-bye. (Exit.)

SCENE NINTH

Mercadet, then Justin.

Mercadet How well everything is going on, when we consider our recent complications! When Mahomet had three reliable friends (and it was hard to find them) the whole world was his! I have now won over as my allies all my creditors, thanks to the pretended arrival of G.o.deau.

And I gain eight days, which means fifteen, with regard to actual payment. I shall buy three hundred thousand francs' worth of Ba.s.se- Indre before Verdelin. And when Verdelin asks for some of that stock, he will find it has risen, for a demand will have raised it above the current quotation, and I shall make at one stroke six hundred thousand francs. With three hundred thousand I will pay my creditors and show myself a Napoleon of finance. (He struts up and down.)

Justin (from the back of the stage) Sir--

Mercadet What is it--what do you want, Justin?

Justin Sir--

Mercadet Go on! Tell me.

Justin M. Violette has offered me sixty francs if I will let him speak with M. G.o.deau.

Mercadet Sixty francs. (Aside) He fleeced me out of them.

Justin I am sure, sir, that you wouldn't like me to lose such a present.

Mercadet Let him have his way with you.

Justin Ah! sir, but--M. Goulard also--and the others--

Mercadet Do as you like--I give them over into your hands. Fleece them well!

Justin I'll do my best. Thank you, sir.

Mercadet Let them all see G.o.deau. (Aside) De la Brive is well able to look after himself. (Aloud) But, between ourselves, keep Pierquin away.

(Aside) He would recognize his dear friend, Michonnin.

Justin I understand, sir. Ah! here is M. Minard. (Exit.)

SCENE TENTH

Mercadet and Minard.