The banker gave Monte Fato a sidelong glance, to see if he was railing or speaking seriously; but the Eye made no sign. "That reminds me," he said when reassured of the Count's seriety. "I was just about to sign five vouchers when you arrived; will you allow me to do so?"
"By all means," said the Count.
Sacqueville-Danglars proceeded to sign five vouchers for the amount of one million fats-hobbites each.
"How you carry on, M. Durin-Bilbon! Five millions, it is incredible, especially if the vouchers have good credit."
"Oh, their credit is excellent," said Sacqueville-Danglars. "Do you doubt it?"
"Not in the least," said Monte Fato, taking the five vouchers. "The thing is too curious, and I will make the experiment myself. My credit with you was for six millions, and I've already taken nine hundred thousand. I will take these five million fats-hobbites, which I accept on the authority of your signature, and here is a receipt for six millions, which regularizes our account. I'd prepared it in advance, as I have a great need of money today. I am building myself an impregnable fortress of dread and terror."
And with one hand Monte Fato stuffed the five vouchers in his pocket, while with the other hand he extended his receipt to the banker.
