Gandelu and Rigal, booked for discount to Van Klopen, ladies' tailor." Andre was silent.
Why was it that Verminet had suggested Rigal's signature as the one he ought to imitate?
And why had he handed the bills over to Van Klopen?
Was it mere chance that had arranged it all?
He did not believe it, but felt sure that some secret tie united them all together, Verminet, Van Klopen, Rigal, and the Marquis de Croisenois.
"Do you want anything more ?" asked the manager of the Mutual Loan Society.
"Are the bills in Van Klopen's hands ?" "I can't say." "Never mind, he will have to tell me where they are, if he has not got them," returned Andre.
They left the house, and as soon as they were again in the street Andre took his companion's arm, and hurried him off in the direction of the Rue de Grammont.
"I don't want to give this thief, Verminet, time to warn Van Klopen of what has taken place; I had rather fall upon him with the suddenness of an earthquake.

Come, let us go to his establishment at once.".