“Certainly, two hundred and forty thousand francs are not to be picked up for the asking,” said

M.

Poligny, without moving a muscle of his face. “And have you considered what the loss over Box Five meant to us? We did not sell it once; and not only that, but we had to return the subscription: why, it’s awful! We really can’t work to keep ghosts! We prefer to go away!”

“Yes,” echoed

M.