“Then we are free to act?”
“Absolutely. The Villa Marie-Thérèse is ours to do as we please with.”
The chauffeur had kept his seat. Lupin gave him his orders:
“Don’t wait here. It might attract attention. Be back at half-past nine exactly, in time to load the car unless the whole business falls through.”
“Why should it fall through?” observed Gilbert.
The motor drove away; and Lupin, taking the road to the lake with his two companions, replied:
“Why? Because I didn’t prepare the plan; and, when I don’t do a thing myself, I am only half-confident.”
“Nonsense, governor! I’ve been working with you for three years now.... I’m beginning to know the ropes!”
“Yes, my lad, you’re beginning,” said Lupin, “and that’s just why I’m afraid of blunders.... Here, get in with me.... And you, Vaucheray, take the other boat.... That’s it.... And now push off, boys . . . and make as little noise as you can.”
Growler and Masher, the two oarsmen, made straight for the opposite bank, a little to the left of the casino.