“Justice owes you a greater debt than it can ever repay,” he declared. “If the captive of Devil’s Island ever escapes, it may be that he will owe his salvation to you.”
“You are complimentary, indeed, M. de Villefort. I assure you, I appreciate your words very highly.”
And still Frank made no move to deliver the little ball into the man’s hands, for De Villefort had not given the complete signal. The man held out his hand.
“Now, I presume, you will answer the call of justice, Monsieur Merriwell.”
Frank smiled coolly.
“Perhaps as I answered it last night.”
De Villefort frowned.
“This is no time for delay,” he said sternly. “With me, time is precious.”
“Thus far, then, you have wasted it,” declared Frank, growing more and more suspicious.
All at once, as if struck by a sudden thought, the Frenchman flung out his hand, with a strange gesture. An instant later, he lifted that hand to his eyes, saying: