"Impossible!" he said, and started on.
"Wait!" said Crochard sternly. "Consider whether you are willing to take the responsibility of this refusal!"
"Responsibility!" Pigot burst out, his anger getting the upper hand at last. "Responsibility! Yes, I take it! Who are you? A notorious character—a thief...."
Crochard's eyes were blazing, and his hand grasped Pigot's arm with a vise-like grip.
"And with it all," he sneered, "a better man than you, Pigot! Is it not so? A better man than you! How often have I proved it!"
Pigot's hand turned and closed like a flash upon the other's wrist.
"You will come with me," he said.
The anger faded from Crochard's face, and an ironic amusement took its place.
"Where would you conduct me?" he asked.
"To the Prefecture!"