"Yes. But, out of prudence, while showing him the sheet of letters and figures and the list of which I spoke to you, I kept both those documents in my own possession. Events have proved that I was right." Lupin was now clinging to the door with both hands: "Weber," he roared, "you're very indiscreet! I shall report you! . . . Steinweg, have you those documents?" "Yes." "Are they in a safe place?" "Absolutely." "In Paris?" "No." "So much the better. Don't forget that your life is in danger and that you have people after you." "I know. The least false step and I am done for." "Exactly. So take your precautions, throw the enemy off the scent, go and fetch your papers and await my instructions. The thing is cut and dried. In a month, at latest, we will go to Veldenz Castle together." "Suppose I'm in prison?" "I will take you out." "Can you?" "The very day after I come out myself. No, I'm wrong: the same evening . . . an hour later." "You have the means?" "Since the last ten minutes, an infallible means. You have nothing more to say to me?" "No." "Then I'll open the door." He pulled back the door, and bowing to M. Weber: "My poor old Weber, I don't know what excuse to make . . ." He did not finish his sentence. The sudden inrush of the deputy-chief and three policeman left him no time. M. Weber was white with rage and indignation. The sight of the two men lying outstretched quite unsettled him. "Dead!" he exclaimed. "Not a bit of it, not a bit of it," chuckled Lupin, "only asleep! Formerie was tired out . . . so I allowed him a few moments' rest." "Enough of this humbug!" shouted M. Weber. And, turning to the policemen, "Take him back to the Santé. And keep your eyes open, damn it! As for this visitor . . ." Lupin learnt nothing more as to Weber's intentions with regard to old Steinweg. A crowd of municipal guards and police constables hustled him down to the prison-van. On the stairs Doudeville whispered: "Weber had a line to warn him. It told him to mind the confrontation and to be on his guard with Steinweg. The note was signed 'L. M.'" But Lupin hardly bothered his head about all this. What did he care for the murderer's hatred or old Steinweg's fate? He possessed Rudolf Kesselbach's secret! CHAPTER X LUPIN'S GREAT SCHEME Contrary to his expectations, Lupin had no sort of annoyance to undergo in consequence of his assault on M. Formerie. The examining-magistrate came to the Santé in person, two days later, and told him, with some embarrassment and with an affectation of kindness, that he did not intend to pursue the matter further. "Nor I, either," retorted Lupin. "What do you mean?" "Well, I mean that I shall send no communication to the press about this particular matter nor do anything that might expose you to ridicule, Monsieur le Juge d'Instruction. The scandal shall not be made public, I promise. That is what you want, is it not?" M. Formerie blushed and, without replying, continued: