"You've arrested Victoire ?" There was a ring of utter dismay, almost despair, in his tone.
"Yes; and I'll throw her in.

She shall go scot-free.

I won't bother with her," said Guerchard eagerly.
The front-door bell rang.
"Wait, wait.

Let me think," said Lupin hoarsely; and he strove to adjust his jostling ideas, to meet with a fresh plan this fresh disaster.
He stood listening with all his ears.

There were footsteps on the stairs, and the door opened.