“By whom?” 

 “By him, of course, or his men under his discretion. That work bears his stamp.” 

 “In that case, I am lost—nothing can be done.” 

 “Nothing,” assented Ganimard. 

 “It is dreadful; it is monstrous.” 

 “Lodge a complaint.” 

 “What good will that do?” 

 “Oh; it is well to try it. The law has some resources.” 

 “The law! Bah! it is useless. You represent the law, and, at this moment, when you should be looking for a clue and trying to discover something, you do not even stir.” 

 “Discover something with Arsène Lupin! Why, my dear monsieur, Arsène Lupin never leaves any clue behind him. He leaves nothing to chance. Sometimes I think he put himself in my way and simply allowed me to arrest him in America.” 

 “Then, I must renounce my pictures! He has taken the gems of my collection. I would give a fortune to recover them. If there is no other way, let him name his own price.” 

 Ganimard regarded the baron attentively, as he said: 

 “Now, that is sensible. Will you stick to it?” 

 “Yes, yes. But why?” 

 “An idea that I have.” 

 “What is it?” 

 “We will discuss it later—if the official examination does not succeed. But, not one word about me, if you wish my assistance.” 

 He added, between his teeth: 

 “It is true I have nothing to boast of in this affair.” 

 Prev. P 21/154 next