“So we’ve got him!”
“Just as we’ve had him twenty times over,” said Beautrelet, laughing.
“Yes, but to-day—”
“To-day, of course, the case is different. We know his retreat, his stronghold, which means, when all is said, that Lupin is Lupin. He can escape. The Étretat Needle cannot.”
“Why do you suppose that he will escape?” asked Ganimard, anxiously.
“Why do you suppose that he requires to escape?” replied Beautrelet. “There is nothing to prove that he is in the Needle at present. Last night, eleven of his men left it. He may be one of the eleven.”
Ganimard reflected:
“You are right. The great thing is the Hollow Needle. For the rest, let us hope that chance will favor us. And now, let us talk.”
He resumed his serious voice, his self-important air and said:
“My dear Beautrelet, I have orders to recommend you to observe the most absolute discretion in regard to this matter.”