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Monsieur Decresson smiled grimly. "What happens in the Cafe des Deux Epingles," he said, "happens outside the world. Without special permission it would not be possible for Monsieur Tapilow to speak to the police of this assault. Buy your Figaro every evening," he continued, "and soon you will read. In the meantime, I recommend you, monsieur, not to stay too long in Paris."
"Precisely, monsieur," Louis said, "but if some one were there who was strong and brave it might be possible to teach a lesson to those who have played us false, and who have planned evil things! If that some one were you, Captain Rotherby, we should consider Monsieur Decresson and the others would consider that your debt to them was paid!" I whistled softly to myself. I began to see Louis' idea.
Chance decreed that I should meet face to face the one man in the world against whom I bear a grudge, the one man whom I had sworn to punish whenever and wherever I might meet him." Monsieur Decresson bowed. "There are situations," he admitted, "which can only be dealt with in that manner.
Do not think me personal or inquisitive, I beg of you, but I ask in your own interests what had you against this man Tapilow?" "Monsieur Decresson," I said, "I will answer you frankly. The man whom I punished last night, I punished because I have proved him to be guilty of conduct unbecoming to a gentleman.
Then Louis, with a little sigh of relief, rose to his feet and came over to my side. "It is finished," he declared. "Monsieur Decresson and Monsieur Grisson are of one mind in this matter. The man Tapilow's punishment was deserved." I looked from one to the other of them in wonder. "But I do not understand!" I exclaimed. "You mean to say, then, that even if Tapilow himself should wish it "
"I think," I answered confidently, "that there is no fear of that." Monsieur Decresson touched Louis on the shoulder and motioned him to enter the automobile which was waiting. With many bows and solemn salutes the great car swung off and left me there alone. I watched it until it disappeared, and then, turning in the opposite direction, started to walk toward the Ritz.
They took leave of me with some solemnity on the pavement outside the restaurant, but Monsieur Decresson, before stepping into his automobile, drew me a little on one side. "Capitaine Rotherby," he said, "you have been dealt with to-day as a very privileged person.
You were brought to the Cafe des Deux Epingles a stranger, almost a guest, and your behavior there might very well have been resented by us." "If I have not said much," I answered, "please do not believe me any the less grateful." "Let that go," Monsieur Decresson said coldly. "Only I would remind you of this.
In return, he robbed him of the woman whom he loved." "The quarrel," Monsieur Decresson said softly, "seems, then, to have been another's." "Messieurs," I answered, "my brother is an invalid for life. The quarrel, therefore, was mine." Decresson and his companion exchanged glances. I leaned back in my chair. The three of them talked together earnestly for several minutes in an undertone.
I had not had time to buy any papers or magazines, but, after all, I had enough to interest me in my thoughts. Of Tapilow I scarcely thought at all. He and I had met, and I had kept my oath. So far as I was concerned, that was the end. I had not even any fears for my own safety as regards this matter. My interview with Decresson and his friend had had a curiously convincing effect upon me.
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