"How far are we?" asked the Emperor.
"I think, Sire, that I shall be able to satisfy Your Imperial Majesty soon."
"What? Do you know . . ."
"The hiding-place? Very nearly, Sire. . . . A few details still escape me . . . but everything will be cleared up, once we are on the spot: I have no doubt of it."
"Are we to stay here?"
"No, Sire, I will beg you to go with me to the Renascence palace. But we have plenty of time; and, if Your Imperial Majesty will permit me, I should like first to think over two or three points."
Without waiting for the reply, he sat down, to Waldemar's great indignation.
In a few minutes, the Emperor, who had walked away and was talking to the count, came up to him:
"Are you ready now, M. Lupin?"
Lupin kept silence. A fresh question. His head fell on his chest.