The governor had recovered himself. He said plainly:
"I prefer to think that you will conform to the rules and not compel me to resort to harsh measures. . . ."
"Which you would regret to have to enforce: isn't that it, Mr. Governor? That's just what I should like to spare you, by proving to you in advance that they would not prevent me from doing as I please: from corresponding with my friends, from defending the grave interests confided to me outside these walls, from writing to the newspapers that accept my inspiration, from pursuing the fulfilment of my plans and, lastly, from preparing my escape."
"Your escape!"
Lupin began to laugh heartily:
"But think, Mr. Governor, my only excuse for being in prison is . . . to leave it!"
The argument did not appear to satisfy M. Borély. He made an effort to laugh in his turn:
"Forewarned is forearmed," he said.
"That's what I wanted," Lupin replied. "Take all your precautions, Mr. Governor, neglect nothing, so that later they may have nothing to reproach you with. On the other hand, I shall arrange things in such a way that, whatever annoyance you may have to bear in consequence of my escape, your career, at least, shall not suffer. That is all I had to say to you, Mr. Governor. You can go."
And, while M. Borély walked away, greatly perturbed by his singular charge and very anxious about the events in preparation, the prisoner threw himself on his bed, muttering: