for it that you will be in no danger, M. Gournay-Martin."
"Thank you," said the millionaire. "But all the same, outside is good enough for me."
Germaine came into the room, cloaked and ready to start.
"For once in a way you are ready first, papa," she said. "Are you coming, Jacques?"
"No; I think I'll stay here, on the chance that Lupin is not bluffing," said the Duke. "I don't think, myself, that I'm going to be gladdened by the sight of him—in fact, I'm ready to bet against it. But you're all so certain about it that I really must stay on the chance. And, after all, there's no doubt that he's a man of immense audacity and ready to take any risk."
"Well, at any rate, if he does come he won't find the diadem," said M. Gournay-Martin, in a tone of triumph. "I'm taking it with me—I've got it here." And he held up his bag.
"You are?" said the Duke.
"Yes, I am," said M. Gournay-Martin firmly.
"Do you think it's wise?" said the Duke.
"Why not?" said M. Gournay-Martin.
"If Lupin's really made up his mind to collar that coronet, and if you're so sure that, in spite of all these safeguards, he's going to make the
