The Snow Man
George Sand
Paperback
(TheClassics.us, Sept. 12, 2013)
This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can usually download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1890 edition. Excerpt: ... twenty-four thousand crowns, and allow me twenty-four hours to place in your presence, and within your power, the person whom it is so much for your interest to know?" "Twenty-four thousand crowns is little," replied the baron, ironically; "twenty-four hours is a great deal." "It is but little, for a man who is alone." "Are you in want of assistance? I have very adroit and trustworthy people in my employment." "If I am to share the twenty-four thousand crowns with them, I would rather act alone, at my own risk and peril." "But which is it that you propose to do?" "Whatever your lordship shall direct." "Indeed! You seem to be suggesting--" At this moment, the baron was interrupted by a sort of scratching upon the outside of one of the doors of the cabinet. "Wait here for me," he said to Massarelli, and went out into another room. G-uido now rapidly reviewed the situation. He was terrified by the baron's calmness, and began to think that correspondence would be a more prudent mode of transacting the business. Hoping to escape, he crossed the room, and tried the door by which he had entered. It was shut and latched by some secret device, which he could not detect, notwithstanding a certain degree of mechanical skill. He looked out of the window; it was eighty feet from the ground. He noiselessly tried the door by which the baron had gone out; it was as close shut as the other. The desk stood open, and within it was visible a delectable assemblage of rouleaux of gold. "Ah!" said Massareli to himself, with a sigh; "the doors must needs be strong, and the locks good, if they trust me here alone with all those bright pieces." His position began to seem to him serious, and even alarming. He listened, hoping to catch what was said in the next...