‘Next Thursday? Then I can only hope you will have luck. Did you write M. Felix that you had actually moved in the matter?’
‘No, I took it, that went without saying.’
‘So that you have not communicated with M. Felix in any way since last Sunday three weeks?’
‘That is so.’
‘I see. Now, another point, M. Le Gautier. Are you acquainted with a M. Dumarchez, a stockbroker, whose office is in the Boulevard Poissonière?’
‘I am. As a matter of fact he also was present at the discussion about the lotteries.’
‘And since that discussion you made a certain bet with him?’
‘A bet?’ M. Le Gautier looked up sharply. ‘I don’t understand you. I made no bet.’
‘Do you remember having a discussion with M. Dumarchez about criminals pitting their wits against the police?’
‘No, I recollect nothing of the kind.’