Ralph considered. Then he said in a very serious voice: “I advise you to keep this business a dead secret. If you don’t, it may have very unpleasant results--not for you, but for your mother. It’s uncommonly odd that she should have rings, of no great value in themselves perhaps, but of extraordinary historical interest, hidden in her house.” Bridget was alarmed and cried: “I’m quite ready to give them up!” “There’s no point in that. Take care of the stones. I’m going to demand, in your name the restitution of the rings. Where does this gentleman live?” “Rue de Vangirard.” “What’s his name?” “Beaumagnan.” “Good. And one last word of advice,” said Ralph. “Leave this house. It is too isolated. And for some time--say for a month--go and live with your maid at an hotel. And don’t receive strange visitors. Is it agreed?” “Yes.” He left her, shutting the door behind him; and they went downstairs. Josephine waited for him in the street while he released Valentine. When he came out, Josephine slipped her arm through his. She seemed greatly disturbed and to have forgotten her anger and desire for revenge. “Do I rightly understand that you’re going to his house?” she said anxiously. “Beaumagnan’s? Yes.” “But it’s madness!” “Why?” “Go to Beaumagnan’s at a time when you know that the other two are with him?” she cried. “Two and one are three,” he said cheerfully. “For goodness’ sake, don’t go!” “Why ever not? Do you suppose they’ll eat me?” he said scornfully. “Beaumagnan will stick at nothing,” she protested. “Is he a cannibal?” “There’s nothing to laugh at, dear.” “Don’t cry, my Josine.” He felt that her fear for him was genuine, and that in a fresh access of tenderness, she was forgetting their disagreement. “Don’t go, dear,” she repeated. “I know Beaumagnan’s flat. Those ruffians will attack you; and there’s no chance of anyone being able to help you.” “All the better, for in that case no one will be able to help them either,” he said calmly. “You _will_ make a joke of it, Ralph. Nevertheless----” He squeezed her arm; and said in a reassuring tone: “Now, listen to me, Josine. I come into a colossal affair long after everyone else and find myself confronted by two powerful organizations, yours and Beaumagnan’s. Both of them, very naturally, refuse to welcome me, the third person to share the loot, so that either I’ve got to play a big game or remain negligible. Let me then deal with our enemy Beaumagnan as I’ve dealt with my little friend Josine. You must admit that I managed her fairly well and that I have more than one string to my bow.” Once more he offended her. She drew her arm out of his; walked on side by side in silence. In his heart of hearts he asked himself whether his most relentless foe was not this gentle, pretty lady, whom he so passionately loved and by whom he was loved so passionately. CHAPTER IX. THE TARPEIAN ROCK “Does Monsieur Beaumagnan live here?”