"No, Squirrel," replied M. Lecoq with kindness; "no, you are not a fool; you are simply wrong in undertaking a task beyond your powers. Have you made one progressive step since you began this case? No. This only proves that you are incomparable as a lieutenant, but that you have not the _sang-froid_ of a general. I will give you an aphorism; keep it, and make it a rule of conduct--'Some men may shine in the second who are eclipsed in the first rank.'"... Egotist, like all great artists, M. Lecoq had never had, nor did he wish to have, a pupil. He worked alone. He despised assistants; for he did not wish to share the pleasures of triumph nor the bitterness of defeat. Therefore Fanferlot, who knew his patron so well, was astonished to hear him, who had heretofore given nothing but orders, helping him with counsel. He was so mystified that he could not help showing his surprise. "It seems to me, patron," he risked saying, "that you take a strong personal interest in this case, that you study it so closely." M. Lecoq started nervously,--which motion escaped his detective,--and then, frowning, he said in a hard voice:-- "It is your nature to be curious, Master Squirrel; but take care that you do not go too far. Do you understand?" Fanferlot began to offer excuses. "Enough! Enough!" interrupted M. Lecoq. "If I lend you a helping hand, it is because I wish to. I wish to be the head while you are the arm. Alone, with your preconceived ideas, you never would find the guilty one. If we two do not find him together, then I am not M. Lecoq." "We shall succeed, if you make it your business." "Yes, I am entangled in it, and during four days I have learned many things. However, keep this quiet. I have reasons for not being known in this case. Whatever happens, I forbid you to mention my name. If we succeed, the success must be given to you. And above all, do not seek explanations. Be satisfied with what I tell you." These charges seemed to fill Fanferlot with confidence. "I will be discreet, patron," he promised. "I depend upon you, my boy. To begin: Carry this photograph of the strong box to the examining magistrate. M. Patrigent, I know, is as perplexed as possible upon the subject of the prisoner. You must explain, as if it were your own discovery, what I have just shown you. When you repeat all this to him with these indications, I am sure he will release the cashier. Prosper Bertomy, the accused cashier, must be free before I begin my work." "I understand, patron. But shall I let M. Patrigent see that I suspect another than the banker or the cashier?" "Certainly. Justice demands that you follow up the case. M. Patrigent will charge you to watch Prosper; reply that you will not lose sight of him. I assure you that he will be in good hands." "And if he asks news of--Mademoiselle Gypsy?" M. Lecoq hesitated for a moment.