There are laws from a legal point of view, and laws from a moral point.

From the former, I realize that I am, at this moment, a criminal--possibly, as you say, in your power.

Let that pass.

What I want you to tell me is this,--the undertaking in which Mr.Delora is now engaged, is it from a legal point of view a criminal one, or is it merely a matter needing secrecy from other reasons ?" Louis stood thoughtfully silent for some few moments.
"Monsieur," he said at last, "I will not hide the truth from you.
According to the law in this country Mr.Delora is engaged in a conspiracy." "Political ?" I asked.
"No!" Louis answered.

"A conspiracy which is to make him and all others who are concerned in it wealthy for life." "But the Deloras are already rich," I remarked.
"Our friend," Louis said, "has speculated.