Altenheim turned livid. He stammered:
"You did this? . . . You have had the infamy . . ."
"The house is surrounded. The assault is at hand. Speak . . . and I will save you."
"How?"
"The men watching the outlet in the Pavillon Hortense belong to me. I have only to give you a word for them and you are saved. Speak!"
Altenheim reflected for a few seconds and seemed to hesitate; but, suddenly, resolutely, declared:
"This is all bluff. You would never have been simple enough to rush into the lion's mouth."
"You're forgetting Geneviève. But for her, do you think I should be here? Speak!"
"No."
"Very well. Let us wait," said Sernine. "A cigarette?"