“I prefer waiting here,” said the messenger, with a smile.
“And why?”
“Your excellency will know when you have read the letter.”
“Shall I find you here, then?”
“Certainly.”
Franz entered the hotel. On the staircase he met Signor Pastrini. “Well?” said the landlord.
“Well—what?” responded Franz.
“You have seen the man who desired to speak with you from your friend?” he asked of Franz.
“Yes, I have seen him,” he replied, “and he has handed this letter to me. Light the candles in my apartment, if you please.”
The innkeeper gave orders to a servant to go before Franz with a light. The young man had found Signor Pastrini looking very much alarmed, and this had only made him the more anxious to read Albert’s letter; and so he went instantly towards the wax-light, and unfolded it. It was written and signed by Albert. Franz read it twice before he could comprehend what it contained. It was thus worded:
My dear Fellow, The moment you have received this, have the kindness to take the letter of credit from my pocketbook, which you will find in the square drawer of the secrétaire; add your own to it, if it be not sufficient. Run to Torlonia, draw from him instantly four thousand piastres, and give them