could do it—only one.” 

 “And that is?” 

 “Arsène Lupin’s personal enemy—the most illustrious Ganimard.” 

 “I?” 

 “Yourself, Ganimard. And, really, it is very funny. If you go there, and the baron decides to talk, you will find that it will be your duty to arrest yourself, just as you arrested me in America. Hein! the revenge is really amusing: I cause Ganimard to arrest Ganimard.” 

 Arsène Lupin laughed heartily. The detective, greatly vexed, bit his lips; to him the joke was quite devoid of humor. The arrival of a prison guard gave Ganimard an opportunity to recover himself. The man brought Arsène Lupin’s luncheon, furnished by a neighboring restaurant. After depositing the tray upon the table, the guard retired. Lupin broke his bread, ate a few morsels, and continued: 

 “But, rest easy, my dear Ganimard, you will not go to Malaquis. I can tell you something that will astonish you: the Cahorn affair is on the point of being settled.” 

 “Excuse me; I have just seen the Chief of the Sureté.” 

 “What of that? Does Mon. Dudouis know my business better than I do myself? You will learn that Ganimard—excuse me—that the pseudo-Ganimard still remains on very good terms with the baron. The latter has authorized him to negotiate a very delicate transaction with me, and, at the present moment, in consideration of a certain sum, it is probable that the baron has recovered possession of his pictures and other treasures. And on their return, he will withdraw his complaint. Thus, there is no longer any theft, and the law must abandon the case.” 

 Ganimard regarded the prisoner with a bewildered air. 

 “And how do you know all that?” 

 “I have just received the telegram I was expecting.” 

 “You have just received a telegram?” 

 “This very moment, my dear friend. Out of politeness, I did not wish to read it in your presence. But if you will permit me—-” 

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