How am I to know that he is not the thief, and these others are seeking only their own ?" Louis was silent for a moment.

He glanced carelessly around the room to assure himself that there were no listeners.
"I can tell you no more, sir," he said, "for if I told you more, I should tell you lies.

I will only remind you that you owe us a debt which I am asking you to pay, and that it is the uncle of mademoiselle whose place you are taking." "I am not in the least convinced," I said, "that I am aiding the uncle of mademoiselle in allowing myself to be attacked in his place." "As for that," Louis answered, "you shall be assured to-morrow, and, if you will, there is another adventure still to be undertaken.

You shall go to see Mr.Delora, and be thanked with his own lips." "There is some sense in that, Louis," I allowed, lighting another cigarette, "but I warn you I shall make him tell me the truth." Louis smiled inscrutably.
"Why not, monsieur ?" he said.
"Tell me this, at any rate, Louis," I asked.

"What is it that you hope for from this evening?
You believe that some one will break in with the idea of robbing or else murdering Mr.Delora.They will find me there instead.