"Silence, please, when I am speaking. He will probably go to the upholsterer's in the Rue des Saints-Peres, but I may be mistaken. He may order himself to be carried to one of the railway stations, and may take the first train which leaves. In this case, you must get into the same railway carriage that he does, and follow him everywhere he goes; and be sure and send me a despatch as soon as you can." "Very well, Monsieur Lecoq; only if I have to take a train--" "What, haven't you any money?" "Well--no, my chief." "Then take this five-hundred-franc note; that's more than is necessary to make the tour of the world. Do you comprehend everything?" "I beg your pardon--what shall I do if Monsieur Wilson simply returns to his house?" "In that case I will finish with him. If he returns, you will come back with him, and the moment his cab stops before the house give two loud whistles, you know. Then wait for me in the street, taking care to retain your cab, which you will lend to Monsieur Plantat if he needs it." "All right," said Palot, who hastened off without more ado. M. Plantat and the detective, left alone, began to walk up and down the gallery; both were grave and silent, as men are at a decisive moment; there is no chatting about a gaming-table. M. Lecoq suddenly started; he had just seen his agent at the end of the gallery. His impatience was so great that he ran toward him, saying: "Well?" "Monsieur, the game has flown, and Palot after him!" "On foot or in a cab?" "In a cab." "Enough. Return to your comrades, and tell them to hold themselves ready." Everything was going as Lecoq wished, and he grasped the old justice's hand, when he was struck by the alteration in his features. "What, are you ill?" asked he, anxiously. "No, but I am fifty-five years old, Monsieur Lecoq, and at that age there are emotions which kill one. Look, I am trembling at the moment when I see my wishes being realized, and I feel as if a disappointment would be the death of me. I'm afraid, yes, I'm afraid. Ah, why can't I dispense with following you?" "But your presence is indispensable; without your help I can do nothing:" "What could I do?" "Save Laurence, Monsieur Plantat." This name restored a part of his courage. "If that is so--" said he. He began to walk firmly toward the street, but M. Lecoq stopped him.