THE RED DRAGON

Claude reflected that possessing the treasure of the Black Hole would mean gaining, all at once, the consideration and respect of men, the smiles of the girls, and ridding himself forever, thanks to the poise that wealth provides, of that ridiculous weakness which prevented him from confessing his love to Madeloun and asking for her hand.

For the first time in his life, he felt courageous and resolved to attempt the terrible trial of which Simounen had spoken.

To do this, he needed to gain the old sorcerer's trust and wring from him, even at the cost of money, the secret of the conjuration that was to make the demons of the Black Hole submissive to his desire.

This shows to what point of credulity a lack of reasoning can push a man, and what a rich mine for scams the simple souls of the Claude Michu variety must offer to adventurers of Simounen's breed.

When the shepherd left the farm, it was ten o'clock at night.

He was entering a hollow road leading to the first slopes of the mountain where he had built his hut, when he heard hurried footsteps behind him.

"Good," he said, stopping, "the story of the treasure has had its effect; here comes my man."

Simounen was not mistaken; almost immediately, Claude's breathless voice was heard.

"Father Simounen! Father Simounen!"

"Is that you, Claude? What is happening to you, my boy?" asked the sorcerer with feigned astonishment.

"I must speak with you, Father Simounen, and since I did not want to do so in front of everyone, I followed you here."