"The papers are in the ruins."
"Let us go to them. Show me the way."
Lupin did not budge.
"Well?"
"Well, Sire, it is not as simple as you think. It takes some time to bring into play the elements which are needed to open that hiding-place."
"How long do you want?"
"Twenty-four hours."
An angry movement, quickly suppressed:
"Oh, there was no question of that between us!"
"Nothing was specified, neither that nor the little trip which Your Imperial Majesty made me take in the charge of half a dozen of your body-guard. I am to hand over the papers, that is all."