“Not bad! There is enough of the police-court air about you to alarm
even an honest man. You understood me perfectly this time.”
Fanferlot was transported with delight at this compliment.
“What must I do now, patron?” he inquired.
“Nothing difficult for an adroit man: but remember, upon the precision
of our movements depends the success of my plan. Before arresting
Lagors, I wish to dispose of Clameran. Now that the rascals are
separated, the first thing to do is to prevent their coming together.”
“I understand,” said Fanferlot, snapping his little rat-like eyes; “I am
to create a diversion.”
“Exactly. Go out by the Rue de la Huchette, and hasten to St. Michel’s
bridge; loaf along the bank, and finally sit on the steps of the quay,
so that Clameran may know he is being watched. If he doesn’t see you, do
something to attract his attention.”
“Parbleu! I will throw a stone into the water,” said Fanferlot, rubbing
his hands with delight at his own brilliant idea.
“As soon as Clameran has seen you,” continued M. Verduret, “he will be
alarmed, and instantly decamp. Knowing there are reasons why the police
should be after him, he will hasten to escape you; then comes the time
for you to keep wide awake; he is a slippery eel, and cunning as a rat.”
“I know all that; I was not born yesterday.”
“So much the better. You can convince him of that. Well, knowing you
are at his heels, he will not dare to return to the Hotel du Louvre,
for fear of being called on by troublesome visitors. Now, it is very
important that he should not return to the hotel.”
“But suppose he does?” said Fanferlot.