A week later the professor walked out into the garden, for the first time, with a stick, and sat down in the summer-house.
"Ah, yes, this is where I had my last cup of coffee, if I remember rightly."
"Yes," replied Riche and Céleste together, "and if you had drunk it you would not be here to tell the tale."
"But the insectivorous plant would, eh! Renée?" said Delapine with a comical smile. "Well I have got to thank Pierre after all. For if he had not injected that wonderful liquid into my arm I should never have made those wonderful discoveries, and had those extraordinary adventures which I have experienced all these months. Yes, I promise you I shall have them all in writing before long, and I trust I shall be spared to see you all enjoy reading them."
"But before you dictate them, professor, it is imperative that you have a change and re-establish your health, and we shall want you to take a trip somewhere."
"Yes, yes, I have provided for all that. I intend going to Monte Carlo."
"What!" they all exclaimed, "to Monte Carlo?"
"Why not?" he replied.
"Oh, but you surely do not mean to go there to play at the tables?"
"Why not?" he repeated.