"I called in his services only on the express condition that he would be led by me. Besides, he believes that M. Félix Davey is merely an accomplice of Lupin's."
"Then I will repeat my question under another form. Why did you come in alone?"
"I wanted to speak to you first."
"Aha! You want to speak to me!"
The idea seemed to please Lupin greatly. There are circumstances in life in which we much prefer words to deeds.
"Mr. Shears, I am sorry not to have a chair to offer you. Does this broken box suit you? Or the window-ledge? I am sure a glass of beer would be acceptable.... Do you like it light or dark?... But do sit down, I beg...."
"Never mind that: let us talk."
"I am listening."
"I shall not be long. The object of my stay in France was not to effect your arrest. I was obliged to pursue you, because no other means offered of attaining my real object."
"Which was?"