第39章

"Well, this bit comes from a walking-stick, or rather a sort of loaded cane, or life-preserver, the knob of which is formed of a piece of carved ivory.When you look at the knob in a certain way, you end by seeing that the outline represents the profile of the Little Corporal.

hat you have in your hand, monsieur le secretaire-general, is a bit of the ivory knob at the top of a half-pay officer's life-preserver.""Yes," said Prasville, examining the exhibit, "yes, I can make out a profile...but I don't see the inference...""The inference is very simple.Among Daubrecq's victims, among those whose names are inscribed on the famous list, is the descendant of a Corsican family in Napoleon's service, which derived its wealth and title from the emperor and was afterward ruined under the Restoration.

It is ten to one that this descendant, who was the leader of the Bonapartist party a few years ago, was the fifth person hiding in the motor-car.Need I state his name?""The Marquis d'Albufex?" said Prasville.

"The Marquis d'Albufex," said M.Nicole.

M.Nicole, who no longer seemed in the least worried with his hat, his glove and his umbrella, rose and said to Prasville:

"Monsieur le secretaire-general, I might have kept my discovery to myself, and not told you of it until after the final victory, that is, after bringing you the list of the Twenty-seven.But matters are urgent.

Daubrecq's disappearance, contrary to what his kidnappers expect, may hasten on the catastrophe which you wish to avert.We must therefore act with all speed.Monsieur le secretaire-general, I ask for your immediate and practical assistance.""In what way can I help you?" asked Prasville, who was beginning to be impressed by his quaint visitor.

"By giving me, to-morrow, those particulars about the Marquis d'Albufex which it would take me personally several days to collect."Prasville seemed to hesitate and turned his head toward Mme.Mergy.

Clarisse said:

"I beg of you to accept M.Nicole's services.He is an invaluable and devoted ally.I will answer for him as I would for myself.""What particulars do you require, monsieur?" asked Prasville.

"Everything that concerns the Marquis d'Albufex: the position of his family, the way in which he spends his time, his family connections, the properties which he owns in Paris and in the country."Prasville objected:

"After all, whether it's the marquis or another, Daubrecq's kidnapper is working on our behalf, seeing that, by capturing the list, he disarms Daubrecq.""And who says, monsieur le secretaire-general, that he is not working on his own behalf?""That is not possible, as his name is on the list.""And suppose he erases it? Suppose you then find yourself dealing with a second blackmailer, even more grasping and more powerfui than the first and one who, as a political adversary, is in a better position than Daubrecq to maintain the contest?"The secretary-general was struck by the argument.After a moment's thought, he said:

"Come and see me in my office at four o'clock tomorrow.I will give you the particulars.What is your address, in case I should want you?""M.Nicole, 25, Place de Clichy.I am staying at a friend's flat, which he has lent me during his absence."The interview was at an end.M.Nicole thanked the secretary-general, with a very low bow, and walked out, accompanied by Mme.Mergy:

"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 chauffeur and the four people who had entered Daubrecq's house.Were they associates of the marquis, compromised in the canal affair like himself? Were they men in his pay? Nobody knew.