“If I am to do the thing,” I replied hotly, “I must know everything.”
“Well, then, the Duc de Rivau-Huet has threatened me with imprisonment if he catches me in his hôtel again.”
“And you wish me to take that risk?”
The Frenchman shrugged his shoulders.
“I am to do this at the peril of my life?”
“It seems to me,” said the Marquis equably, “that your life is forfeit if you don’t do it, and——”
“Enough!” I answered. “I am in your power. When I made the serious mistake of taking you for a gentleman I began my ruin. I’m sorry I didn’t kill you in England. I suppose there’s no help for it. I must do the work. When do you wish this adventure undertaken?”
“Tonight. If you will come to my rooms, I will fit you out, give you the plan of the hôtel and make all other arrangements.”
“And those papers?”
“They shall be returned to you when you place what you secure from the room in my hands.”