“No.”
“No?”
“In order that I may be arrested there must occur such a series of improbable and unexpected misfortunes that I cannot admit the possibility of such an event.”
“We have a saying in England that ‘the unexpected always happens.’”
They looked at each other for a moment calmly and fearlessly, without any display of bravado or malice. They met as equals in a contest of wit and skill. And this meeting was the formal crossing of swords, preliminary to the duel.
“Ah!” exclaimed Lupin, “at last I shall have an adversary worthy of the name—one whose defeat will be the proudest achievement in my career.”
“Are you not afraid!” asked Wilson.
“Almost, Monsieur Wilson,” replied Lupin, rising from his chair, “and the proof is that I am about to make a hasty retreat. Then, we will say ten days, Monsieur Sholmes?”
“Yes, ten days. This is Sunday. A week from next Wednesday, at eight o’clock in the evening, it will be all over.”
“And I shall be in prison?”