"Perhaps so. You will forgive my being so susceptible, as I am more
exposed to insults than most people. Let's leave the subject, which is a
painful one, and return to Tremorel."
M. Plantat was just thinking whether he should dare to broach his
projects again, and he was singularly touched by M. Lecoq's delicately
resuming the subject of them.
"I have only to await your decision," said the justice of the peace.
"I will not conceal from you," resumed M. Lecoq, "that you are asking a
very difficult thing, and one which is contrary to my duty, which
commands me to search for Tremorel, to arrest him, and deliver him up to
justice. You ask me to protect him from the law--"
"In the name of an innocent creature whom you will thereby save."
"Once in my life I sacrificed my duty. I could not resist the tears of a
poor old mother, who clung to my knees and implored pardon for her son.
To-day I am going to exceed my right, and to risk an attempt for which
my conscience will perhaps reproach me. I yield to your entreaty."
"Oh, my dear Lecoq, how grateful I am!" cried M. Plantat, transported
with joy.
But the detective remained grave, almost sad, and reflected.
"Don't let us encourage a hope which may be disappointed," he resumed.
"I have but one means of keeping a criminal like Tremorel out of the
courts; will it succeed?"
"Yes, yes. If you wish it, it will!"