“Because Arsène Lupin is the only man in France of sufficient calibre to invent and carry out a scheme of that magnitude.” 

 “Mere words, Ganimard.” 

 “But true ones. Look! What are they doing? Searching for subterranean passages, stones swinging on pivots, and other nonsense of that kind. But Lupin doesn’t employ such old-fashioned methods. He is a modern cracksman, right up to date.” 

 “And how would you proceed?” 

 “I should ask your permission to spend an hour with him.” 

 “In his cell?” 

 “Yes. During the return trip from America we became very friendly, and I venture to say that if he can give me any information without compromising himself he will not hesitate to save me from incurring useless trouble.” 

 It was shortly after noon when Ganimard entered the cell of Arsène Lupin. The latter, who was lying on his bed, raised his head and uttered a cry of apparent joy. 

 “Ah! This is a real surprise. My dear Ganimard, here!” 

 “Ganimard himself.” 

 “In my chosen retreat, I have felt a desire for many things, but my fondest wish was to receive you here.” 

 “Very kind of you, I am sure.” 

 “Not at all. You know I hold you in the highest regard.” 

 “I am proud of it.” 

 “I have always said: Ganimard is our best detective. He is almost,—you see how candid I am!—he is almost as clever as Sherlock Holmes. But I am sorry that I cannot offer you anything better than this hard stool. And no refreshments! Not even a glass of beer! Of course, you will excuse me, as I am here only temporarily.” 

 Ganimard smiled, and accepted the proffered seat. Then the prisoner continued: 

 “Mon Dieu, how pleased I am to see the face of an honest man. I am so tired of those devils of spies who come here ten times a day to ransack my pockets and my cell to satisfy themselves that I am not preparing to escape. The government is very solicitous on my account.” 

 “It is quite right.” 

 “Why so? I should be quite contented if they would allow me to live in my own quiet 

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