The name had an immense effect on Jodot. He understood now why all his plans had come to grief and the sway this man exercised over him. Ralph went on: “Arsène Lupin, wanted by all the police in the world for more than five hundred robberies, found guilty more than a hundred times. We were born to understand one another. I hold you. But you hold me; and you accept my terms, I am sure. I could have knocked you on the head just now. But no: I would sooner come to an agreement with you. Besides, I shall employ you if I get the chance. You have your faults; but you have great qualities. For example, the way you traced me to Clermont-Ferrand was a real exploit, for I don’t yet understand how you did it. You have my word, then; and the word of Lupin is as good as gold. Is it settled?” Jodot consulted with William in a low voice and replied: “Yes: we agree. What is it you want?” “Me? I don’t want anything, old chap,” said Ralph carelessly. “I’m a man who is seeking for peace and pays the necessary price for it. We become partners: that’s the real truth. If you wish to invest anything in the partnership after to-day, it’s just as you like. You have documents.” “Lots of them. The instructions of the Marquis with regard to the lake.” “That’s clear enough, since you were able to shut the flood-gates. Are they fully detailed instructions?” “Yes: five sheets of small writing.” “And have you them here?” “Yes; and I have the will too—in favor of Aurelie.” “Hand them over.” “To-morrow—in return for the checks,” said Jodot firmly. “Right: to-morrow, in return for the checks. Shall we shake hands on it? That will be the signing of the agreement; and I’ll be getting away.” They shook hands. “Good-by,” said Ralph. The interview was at an end; but the real battle was yet to be fought—with a few words. Everything that had been said so far and all these promises were so many trifles to put Jodot off the real scent. The essential thing was to get the sluices going. Would Jodot speak? Would Jodot guess the real situation, the real reason of Ralph’s crafty negotiations? Never before in his life had Ralph been so anxious. But he said carelessly enough: “I should like very much to see the thing working before I go away. I suppose you couldn’t open the sluices that let the water run away before me?” “It’s necessary, according to the instructions of the Marquess, for the sluices to be open seven or eight hours before they’ve done their work,” said Jodot. “Never mind: open them at once. To-morrow morning we shall see, you from here, Aurelie, and I from over there, the whole bag of tricks, that is to say the treasure. The machinery is quite close too, isn’t it? Just beneath us? Near the flood-gates?” “Yes.” “Is there a direct path to it?” “Yes.” “And you understand the working of it?” “It’s easy. The instructions show you how quite clearly.” “Let’s go down,” Ralph suggested. “I’ll give you a helping hand.”