And now, in spite of all his precautions, a disaster greater than any he
had dreamed of had overwhelmed him.

[Illustration: "HE ROSE WITH DIFFICULTY."]

Leaning back wearily in his arm-chair, with haggard eyes he re-read his
son's letter, in order to assure himself that he was not dreaming. Yes!
It was too true! Camille had ruined, perhaps dishonoured, him! It
seemed as though the objects that surrounded him--the very walls and
furniture--were no longer the same! As one staggering beneath a too
heavy burden, he rose with difficulty, his limbs stiff, yet his whole
frame agitated; then he sank back into his chair, with two big tears
flowing down his cheeks.

By hook or by crook he _must_ procure the sum, and the debt should be
paid to-morrow. It would be a difficult task. The wealth of the
manufacturer consists of material and merchandise. Would so hurried a
realization yield the necessary amount? He could not tell. Again, when
this debt was paid, would he be able to fulfil his engagements?
Bankruptcy stared him in the face. A Sauvallier bankrupt? An officer of
the Legion of Honour, a judge of the Tribunal of Commerce, insolvent?
Never! He would die first!

But before it came to that, he would try every expedient: he would
strain every nerve.

So all night long the poor man planned and calculated, and in the
morning, with heavy heart, proceeded to put his plans into effect.

He visited his numerous friends and told them of his trouble, which