"Yes; the heights," repeated Chauvenet a little dreamily.
"But that declaration--that document! You have never honored me with a
glimpse; but you have it put safely away, I dare say."
"There is no place--but one--that I dare risk. It is always within easy
reach, my dear friend."
"You will do well to destroy that document. It is better out of the way."
"Your deficiencies in the matter of wisdom are unfortunate. That paper
constitutes our chief asset, my dear associate. So long as we have it we
are able to keep dear Francis in order. Therefore we shall hold fast to
it, remembering that we risked much in removing it from the lamented
Stroebel's archives."
"Do you say 'risked much'? My valued neck, that is all!" said the other.
"You and Winkelried are without gratitude."
"You will do well," said Chauvenet, "to keep an eye open in Vienna for
the unknown. If you hear murmurs in Hungary one of these fine days--!
Nothing has happened for some time; therefore much may happen."
He glanced at his watch.
"I have work in Paris before sailing for New York. Shall we discuss the
matter of those Peruvian claims? That is business.
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