"Tell me, monsieur, what is my best course of action? Do you think the threats are serious?"
"Not at all," he said reassuringly. "My dear mademoiselle, don't distress yourself in the very least regarding what this man has said. He has only endeavoured to frighten you into rendering him assistance. Act just as you think proper. Your experience to-night has certainly been a strange one; but if I were in your place, I would return to the hotel, sleep soundly, and forget it all until—well, until we make our arrest."
"You expect to do so, then?"
"We, of course, hope so. In my profession, you know, everything is uncertain. So much depends upon chance," and he smiled pleasantly.
"Then I presume you will communicate with me later as to the further result of your investigations?" I suggested.
"Most certainly. Mademoiselle shall be kept well informed of our operations, never fear."
We were at the door of the Casino, where a great crowd had assembled to watch the maskers emerging.
"Shall I call you a fiacre?" he asked quite gallantly.
"No, thank you," I responded. "I'll walk. It is only a few steps to the 'Grand.'"
"Ah, of course," he laughed. "I had forgotten. Bon soir, mademoiselle."