"What excitement have you to offer me ?" "Three nights ago," Louis said, "I saw you myself take a man into your hands with the intention of killing him.

You broke the law!" "I did," I admitted, "and I would do it again." "Would you break the law in other ways ?" Louis asked.
"Under similar circumstances, yes!" I answered.
"Listen, monsieur," Louis continued.

"It is our pleasure to save you from the unpleasant consequences which would certainly have befallen you in any other place than the Cafe des Deux Epingles after your--shall we say misunderstanding ?--with James Tapilow." "I admit my indebtedness, Louis," I answered.
"Will you do something to repay it ?" Louis asked, raising his eyes to mine.
"You will have to tell me what it is first," I said.
"It is concerned with the disappearance of Mr.Delora," Louis said.
"But Mr.Delora has returned!" I exclaimed.

"His niece told me so herself.

He has returned, but he is very unwell--confined to his room, I believe." "It is the story which has been agreed upon," Louis answered.