“Eh, bien. It is done. But first, monsieur, my rapier; and a pistol or two. If it is to fight—and it will be so—it is well to be prepared.”
Lafetre was as cool now and as determined as the detective himself. He had no fear; that was evident. He only needed a leader.
Nick watched him while he coolly provided himself with such weapons as he needed—the rapier, with which he had contended against the detective, a pair of revolvers, and a short sword which he buckled on the side opposite the rapier.
“It is well to be provided,” he said nonchalantly. “The rapier is a long weapon with which to fight ruffians, such as these men are. Sometimes a bludgeon will knock it from your hand when nothing else would do so; and then, you see, I have this to fall back upon. No? Come, monsieur. I am ready.”
He led the way from the room then, closing the door after him. In the corridor it was dark, but the Frenchman seemed to know the way perfectly well, and he started forward without hesitation, although greatly to Nick’s surprise, in the direction opposite that in which the tower was located.
Nick stopped him.
“The tower is not in that direction,” he said, whispering in his ear.
“No, monsieur; but our way to it lies in this direction. We turn down a corridor to the right, and then again toward the tower. Then we shall arrive at the place we want.”
“Good!” said Nick. “Go ahead.”