Lupin realized all the authority which he was able to assert at such a moment, and he said:
"Have no fear, mademoiselle. If you obey me blindly, I shall be sure to succeed."
"Yes ... yes ... I am quite willing ... but all this is so terrible...."
"Trust me, I beg of you. And please listen to me, I shall want a few particulars."
He rapped out a number of questions, which Jeanne Darcieux answered hurriedly:
"That animal was never let loose, was he?"
"Never."
"Who used to feed him?"
"The lodge-keeper. He brought him his food every evening."
"Consequently, he could go near him without being bitten?"