“You will concede that fate has been against me. A few minutes ago, it prevented my escape through that chimney, and delivered me into your hands. Now, by means of the telephone, it presents you with the blonde Lady. I submit to its decrees.”
“What do you mean?”
“I mean that I am ready to re-open our negotiation.”
Sholmes took Ganimard aside and asked, in a manner that did not permit a reply, the authority to exchange a few words with the prisoner. Then he approached Lupin, and said, in a sharp, nervous tone:
“What do you want?”
“Mademoiselle Destange’s liberty.”
“You know the price.”
“Yes.”
“And you accept?”
“Yes; I accept your terms.”