midnight
On this point Cerizet and Claparon had an agreement by which Cerizet pledged the sum of fifteen thousand francs -LRB- in words only , be it understood -RRB- to Claparon in case the latter could deceive the notary and keep him quiet until the time expired during which he might withdraw the property by bidding it in . Mademoiselle Thuillier , notified by Theodose , agreed entirely to this secret clause , understanding perfectly the necessity of paying the culprits guilty of the treachery . The money was to pass through la Peyrade 's hands . Claparon met his accomplice , the notary , on the Place de l'Observatoire by midnight . This young man , the successor of Leopold Hannequin , was one of those who run after fortune instead of following it leisurely . He now saw another future before him , and he managed his present affairs in order to be free to take hold of it . In this midnight interview , he offered Claparon ten thousand francs to secure himself in this dirty business , -- a sum which was only to be paid on receipt , through Claparon , of a counter-deed from the nominal purchaser of the property .