“How will a quarter’s advance suit you? I’ll meet you at three to-morrow, in Jande Square at Clermont-Ferrand, and give you a cheque.”
“Yes: that’s all very well,” said the distrustful Jodot. “But I’ve got no assurance that to-morrow Baron de Limézy won’t have me arrested.”
“That won’t happen because they’d arrest me at the same time.”
“You?”
“Rather! And it would be a more important capture than you suppose.”
“Who are you?”
“Arsène Lupin.”
The name had an immense effect on Jodot. He understood now why all his plans had come to grief and the sway this man exercised over him.
Ralph went on: “Arsène Lupin, wanted by all the police in the world for more than five hundred robberies, found guilty more than a hundred times. We were born to understand one another. I hold you. But you hold me; and you accept my terms, I am sure. I could have knocked you on the head just now. But no: I would sooner come to an agreement with you. [[300]]Besides, I shall employ you if I get the chance. You have your faults; but you have great qualities. For example, the way you traced me to Clermont-Ferrand was a real exploit, for I don’t yet understand how you did it. You have my word, then; and the word of Lupin is as good as gold. Is it settled?”
Jodot consulted with William in a low voice and replied: “Yes: we agree. What is it you want?”