Wilson nodded his head, as he said:
“Mademoiselle looks honest.”
“Yes,” she implored, “and you must have confidence——”
“I have confidence in you, mademoiselle,” replied Wilson.
“Oh, how happy you make me! And so has your friend? I feel it ... I am sure of it! What happiness! Everything will be all right now!... What a good idea of mine!... Ah! yes, there is a train for Calais in twenty minutes. You will take it.... Quick, follow me ... you must come this way ... there is just time.”
She tried to drag them along. Sholmes seized her arm, and in as gentle a voice as he could assume, said to her:
“Excuse me, mademoiselle, if I cannot yield to your wishes, but I never abandon a task that I have once undertaken.”
“I beseech you ... I implore you.... Ah if you could only understand!”
Sholmes passed outside and walked away at a quick pace. Wilson said to the girl:
“Have no fear ... he will be in at the finish. He never failed yet.”