Crochard met his gaze, read what was behind it, and leaned forward again across the table.
"Lépine," he said, "have I ever failed to do a thing I promised?"
"No."
"I shall not fail this time."
"What is it you promise?"
"I promise," said Crochard, and raised his right hand solemnly, as though registering an oath, "I promise to find the man who destroyed La Liberté, and to save my country!"
Lépine gazed at him for a moment, then pushed back his chair and rose to his feet. The patriot in him had triumphed.
"Where shall the conference with M. Delcassé take place?" he asked.
Crochard smiled at the question and at the little man's impassive face.
"Lépine," he said, "on my word, you touch greatness sometimes, and I find myself admiring you! Let the conference take place at M. Delcassé's apartment. Oh, yes; you will have a closed carriage waiting at the private entrance."