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"But we don't know that we know nothing of the kind," said M. Formery. "I do," said Guerchard. "You?" said M. Formery. "Yes," said Guerchard. "Then how do you explain her disappearance?" "If she had disappeared I shouldn't explain it," said Guerchard. "But since she has disappeared?" cried M. Formery, in a tone of exasperation. "She hasn't," said Guerchard.
The Duke looked at him, and said slowly, "Then you think that to-night Lupin " "You've followed the scent with me, your Grace," Guerchard interrupted quickly and vehemently. "We've picked up each clue together. You've almost seen this man at work.... You've understood him. Isn't a man like this, I ask you, capable of anything?" "He is," said the Duke, with conviction.
He sat down slowly facing him, and they gazed at one another with the wary eyes of duellists crossing swords at the beginning of a duel. "Did you get M. Formery to sign a little warrant?" said Lupin, in a caressing tone full of quiet mockery. "I did," said Guerchard through his teeth. "And have you got it on you?" said Lupin. "I have," said Guerchard.
"But how?" said Lupin, looking at him with an expression of the gravest doubt. "Oh, I'll put the thefts on your shoulders. That will let her out all right," said Guerchard. "I've certainly good broad shoulders," said Lupin, with a bitter smile. He walked slowly up and down with an air that grew more and more depressed: it was almost the air of a beaten man.
She looked at him, and her own eyes fell. "Will you come a little nearer. Mademoiselle?" said M. Formery. "There are one or two questions " "Will you allow me?" said Guerchard, in a tone of such deference that it left M. Formery no grounds for refusal. M. Formery flushed and ground his teeth. "Have it your own way!" he said ungraciously.
"Well, then, last night's burglars came from Charmerace. They must have," said the Duke. "It looks like it," said Guerchard. "The Charolais," said the Duke. "It looks like it," said Guerchard. "It must be," said the Duke. "This IS interesting if only we could get an absolute proof." "We shall get one presently," said Guerchard confidently.
"Can you arrest me? ... You can arrest Lupin ... but arrest the Duke of Charmerace, an honourable gentleman, member of the Jockey Club, and of the Union, residing at his house, 34 B, University Street ... arrest the Duke of Charmerace, the fiance of Mademoiselle Gournay-Martin?" "Scoundrel!" cried Guerchard, pale with sudden, helpless fury. "Well, do it," taunted the Duke.
"I have that feeling I have that feeling," said Guerchard quietly. The Duke smiled. They were silent. The Duke walked to the fireplace, stepped into it, and studied the opening. He came out again and said: "Oh, by the way, M. Formery, the policeman at the front door wanted to stop me going out of the house when I went home to change. I take it that M. Guerchard's prohibition does not apply to me?"
"Oh, this has all been prepared a long while ago. But now I'm really on their track. And after all, I haven't really lost any time. Dieusy wasted no time in making inquiries in Sureau Street; he's been working all this side of the house." Guerchard drew up the blinds, opened the shutters, and let the daylight flood the dim room.
Lupin gripped the edge of the table with both hands, and stood panting, grinding his teeth, pale with fury. He stood silent and motionless for perhaps half a minute, gazing at Guerchard with burning, murderous eyes. Then he nodded his head. "Let Mademoiselle Kritchnoff wait," said Guerchard, with a sigh of deep relief. Dieusy went out of the room.
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