And I would take it, too, did I not feel that you were a very clever and exceptional man; did I not have a sort of sneaking admiration for your detestable skill and ingenuity.' 'You think, then, that I am clever ?' said Jules.

'You are right.

I am.
I should have been much too clever for you if luck had not been against me.
You owe your victory, not to skill, but to luck.' 'That is what the vanquished always say.

Waterloo was a bit of pure luck for the English, no doubt, but it was Waterloo all the same.' Jules yawned elaborately.

'What do you want to know ?' he inquired, with politeness.
'First and foremost, I want to know the names of your accomplices inside this hotel.' 'I have no more,' said Jules.