"There is no 'if' about it!" he exclaimed, irritated at her bargaining manner and again flying into a passion. "You'll furnish the information you're paid to furnish, and without any 'question' or 'if,' or I'll put you behind the bars. Yes, sacré bleu! on a diet of bread and water!"
He was angry that she had the whip hand and that she was driving him.
"Certainly, monsieur,"—and her tone was freezingly polite,—"but then I will furnish it to the Ministry, as I'm specially instructed in such cases to do."
"Then why do you come to me with it?" he demanded.
"Monsieur l'Inspecteur, I would do you a favor if you would let me——"
"For a substantial favor in return!"
"Precisely."
"Ugh! of course!"
"Of course, monsieur,—partly. Partly because you have been kind to me, generally, and I would now reciprocate that kindness."
"So! Well, mademoiselle, now we understand each other, how much?"