"I do."
Arsène Lupin went up to Holmlock Shears and placed his hand very gently on the Englishman's shoulder:
"Listen to me, sir. I am not in the mood for argument and you, unfortunately for yourself, are not in a position to check me. Let us put an end to this."
"You shall give me your word of honour not to attempt to escape from this boat until she reaches English waters."
"I give you my word of honour that I shall attempt to escape by every means in my power," said Shears, nothing daunted.
"But, dash it all, you know I have only to speak a word to reduce you to helplessness! All these men obey me blindly. At a sign from me, they will put a chain round your neck...."
"Chains can be broken."
"And throw you overboard at ten miles from the coast."
"I can swim."