"A very clever man. As a detective, I doubt if his equal exists, or has ever existed. Only, I have one advantage over him, which is that he's attacking, while I'm on the defensive. Mine is the easier game to play. Besides ..." He gave an imperceptible smile before completing his phrase. "Besides, I know his way of fighting, and he does not know mine. And I have a few sly thrusts in store for him which will give him something to think about...."
He tapped the table lightly with his fingers and flung out little sentences with a delighted air:
"Arsène Lupin versus Holmlock Shears! France versus England.... Revenge for Trafalgar at last!... Ah, the poor wretch ... he little thinks that I am prepared ... and a Lupin armed...."
He stopped suddenly, seized with a fit of coughing, and hid his face in his napkin, as though something had gone down the wrong way.
"What is it?" I asked. "A crumb?... Why don't you take some water?"
"No, it's not that," he gasped.
"What, then?"
"I want air."
"Shall I open the window?"
"No, I shall go out.... Quick, give me my hat and coat.... I'm off!"