"Ganimard is at home.... I shall leave the girl with him.... Shall I tell him who she is? No, he would take her straight to the police-station, which would put everything out. As soon as I am alone, I will consult the M. B. list and set out on my chase. And, to-night, or to-morrow morning at latest, I shall go to Ganimard, as arranged, and deliver Arsène Lupin and his gang to him."
He rubbed his hands, glad to feel that his object was at last within his reach and to see that there was no serious obstacle in the way. And, yielding to a need for expansion, which was not in keeping with his usual nature, he said:
"Forgive me, mademoiselle, for displaying so much satisfaction. It was a difficult fight and I find my success particularly agreeable."
"A legitimate success, monsieur, in which you have every right to rejoice."
"Thank you. But what a funny way we are going! Didn't the man understand?"
At that moment, they were leaving Paris by the Porte de Neuilly. What on earth!... After all, the Rue Pergolèse was not outside the fortifications!
Shears let down the glass:
"I say, driver, you're going wrong.... Rue Pergolèse!..."
The man made no reply. Shears repeated, in a louder voice:
"I'm telling you to go to the Rue Pergolèse."