“An official reception, eh? with music and fireworks! Oh! no, not for me. That is not the way I do business,” grumbled the Englishman.
This speech disconcerted Devanne, who replied, with a forced smile:
“Fortunately, the business has been greatly simplified since I wrote to you.”
“In what way?”
“The robbery took place last night.”
“If you had not announced my intended visit, it is probable the robbery would not have been committed last night.”
“When, then?”
“To-morrow, or some other day.”
“And in that case?”
“Lupin would have been trapped,” said the detective.