In the garden Lerne was making his way towards the gray buildings accompanied by his three assistants.
“They are going to work in there,” said I to myself. “That’s clear. I am not being watched; they have not had time to take many precautions; uncle is persuaded I am asleep. Nicolas, this is the time for action, now or never. But what to start with? Emma, or the secret? Hum ... the little girl is utterly gorgonized to-day.... As for the secret....”
Having put on my coat again, I went mechanically from window to window.
There between the wrought-iron stanchions of the balcony the Conservatory showed its mysterious additions. It was shut, forbidden, attractive.
I went out stealthily and noiselessly, like a wolf.
CHAPTER III
THE CONSERVATORY
Once outside, and without cover, it seemed to me that everything was spying on me; so I flung myself headlong into a little wood near the conservatory; then through the thorn and creepers I made my way towards my objective.
It was very warm. I advanced with great difficulty and taking thousands of precautions to avoid scratches and tell-tale rents.