"Her liberty? But I am not aware that she is under arrest."
"I shall give M. Ganimard the necessary information. Once deprived of your protection, she will be taken also."
Lupin burst out laughing again:
"My dear sir, you are offering me what you do not possess. Mlle. Destange is safe and fears nothing. I want something else."
The Englishman hesitated, obviously embarrassed and flushing slightly. Then he put his hand brusquely on his adversary's shoulder:
"And, if I offered you...?"
"My liberty?"
"No ... but, still, I might leave the room, to arrange with M. Ganimard...."
"And leave me to think things over?"
"Yes."