"Because, madame, I've done you a great service, and feel I can count upon your gratitude."
The Frenchwoman's eyebrows lifted at this. "Doubtless, monsieur knows what he's talking about——"
"Listen, madame: I am in love with a young woman, an American, a stranger and friendless in Paris. If anything happens to me tonight, if I am arrested or assassinated——"
"Is that likely?"
"Quite likely, madame: I have enemies among the Apaches, and in my own profession as well; and I have reason to believe that several of them are in this neighbourhood tonight. I may possibly not escape their attentions. In that event, this young lady of whom I speak will need a protector."
"And why must I interest myself in her fate, pray?"
"Because, madame, of this service I have done you … Recently, in
London, you were robbed——"
The woman started and coloured with excitement: "You know something of my jewels?"
"Everything, madame: it was I who stole them."
"You? You are, then, that Lone Wolf?"