Lupin, though used to that sort of pleasure, nevertheless enjoyed the marks of admiration and devotion with which his friends overwhelmed him: "But, governor, tell us . . . what happened? We're accustomed to all sorts of wonders with you; but still, there are limits. . . . So you are free? And here you are, in the heart of Paris, scarcely disguised. . . . !" "Have a cigar," said Lupin. "Thank you, no." "You're wrong, Doudeville. These are worth smoking. I have them from a great connoisseur, who is good enough to call himself my friend." "Oh, may one ask . . . ?" "The Kaiser! Come, don't look so flabbergasted, the two of you! And tell me things: I haven't seen the papers. What effect did my escape have on the public?" "Tremendous, governor!" "What was the police version?" "Your flight took place at Garches, during an attempt to reënact the murder of Altenheim. Unfortunately, the journalists have proved that it was impossible." "After that?" "After that, a general fluster. People wondering, laughing and enjoying themselves like mad." "Weber?" "Weber is badly let in." "Apart from that, no news at the detective-office? Nothing discovered about the murderer? No clue to help us to establish Altenheim's identity?" "No." "What fools they are! And to think that we pay millions a year to keep those people. If this sort of thing goes on, I shall refuse to pay my rates. Take a seat and a pen. I will dictate a letter which you must hand in to the _Grand Journal_ this evening. The world has been waiting for news of me long enough. It must be gasping with impatience. Write." He dictated: "To the Editor of the _Grand Journal_: "SIR, "I must apologize to your readers for disappointing their legitimate impatience. "I have escaped from prison and I cannot possibly reveal how I escaped. In the same way, since my escape, I have discovered the famous secret and I cannot possibly disclose what the secret is nor how I discovered it. "All this will, some day or other, form the subject of a rather original story which my biographer-in-ordinary will publish from my notes. It will form a page of the history of France which our grandchildren will read with interest. "For the moment, I have more important matters to attend to. Disgusted at seeing into what hands the functions which I once exercised have fallen, tired of finding the Kesselbach-Altenheim case still dragging along, I am discharging M. Weber and resuming the post of honor which I occupied with such distinction and to the general satisfaction under the name of M. Lenormand. "I am, Sir, "Your obedient servant. "ARSÈNE LUPIN, "_Chief of the Detective-service_."