gy:

"That's an excellent piece of work," he said, outside, rubbing his
hands. "I can march into the police-office whenever I like, and set the
whole lot to work."

Mme. Mergy, who was less hopefully inclined, said:

"Alas, will you be in time? What terrifies me is the thought that the
list may be destroyed."

"Goodness gracious me, by whom? By Daubrecq?"

"No, but by the marquis, when he gets hold of it."

"He hasn't got it yet! Daubrecq will resist long enough, at any rate,
for us to reach him. Just think! Prasville is at my orders!"

"Suppose he discovers who you are? The least inquiry will prove that
there is no such person as M. Nicole."

"But it will not prove that M. Nicole is the same person as Arsene
Lupin. Besides, make yourself easy. Prasville is not only beneath
contempt as a detective: he has but one aim in life, which is to destroy
his old enemy, Daubrecq. To achieve that aim, all means are equally
good; and he will not waste time in verifying the identity of a M.
Nicole who promises him Daubrecq. Not to mention that I was brought by
you and that, when all is said, my little gifts did dazzle him to some
extent. So let us go ahead boldly."

Clarisse always recovered confidence in Lupin's presence. The future
seemed less appalling to her; and she admitted, she forced herself to
admit, that the chances of saving Gilbert were not lessened by that
hideous death-sentence. But he could not prevail upon her to return to
Brittany. She wanted to fight by his side. She wanted to be there and
share all his hopes and all his disappointments.

The next day the inquiries of the police confirmed what Prasville and
Lupin already knew. The Marquis d'Albufex had been very deeply involved
in the business of the canal, so deeply that Prince Napoleon was obliged
to remove him from the management of his political campaign in France;
and he kept up his very extravagant style of living only by dint of
constant loans and makeshifts. On the other hand, in so far as concerned
the kidnapping of Daubrecq, it was ascertained that, contrary to his
usual custom, the marquis had not appeared in his club between six and
seven that evening and had not dined at home. He did not come back until
midnight; and then he came on foot.

M. Nicole's accusation, therefore, was receiving an early proof.
Unfortunately--and Lupin was no more successful in his own attempts--it
was impossible to obtain the least clue as to the motor-car, the