“Impossible; I have an appointment and I shall keep it.”
“For the last time—follow me!”
“Im-pos-sible!”
At a sign from Ganimard two men seized Lupin by the arms; but they released him at once, uttering cries of pain. Lupin had thrust two long needles into them. The other men now rushed at Lupin with cries of rage and hatred, eager to avenge their comrades and to avenge themselves for the many affronts he had heaped upon them; and now they struck and beat him to their heart’s desire. A violent blow on the temple felled Lupin to the floor.
“If you hurt him you will answer to me,” growled Ganimard, in a rage.
He leaned over Lupin to ascertain his condition. Then, learning that he was breathing freely, Ganimard ordered his men to carry the prisoner by the head and feet, while he himself supported the body.
“Go gently, now!... Don’t jolt him. Ah! the brutes would have killed him.... Well, Lupin, how goes it?”
“None too well, Ganimard ... you let them knock me out.”
“It was your own fault; you were so obstinate,” replied Ganimard. “But I hope they didn’t hurt you.”
They had left the apartment and were now on the landing. Lupin groaned and stammered: