 CHAPTER 22 THE BARGON Charolet conducted the detective down the stairs, and let him out of the front door, cursing and threatening vengeance as he went. Charolet took no notice of his words. He was the well-trained servant. They came back upstairs, and on the landing called to Victoire and Berna. They came hurrying down, and the three of them went into the smoking room. Now we know where we are, Saint-Lupin, with cheerful briskness. Guershaw will be here in ten minutes, with a warrant for my arrest. All of you, clear out. It won't be so precious easy. The house is watched, Saint-Charolet. And I bet it's watched back and front. Well, slip out by the secret entrance. They haven't found that yet, Saint-Lupin. And meet me at the house at Passy. Charolet and Berna wanted no more telling. They ran to the bookcase and pressed the buttons. The bookcase slid aside. The doors opened and disclosed the lift. They stepped into it. Victoire had followed them. She paused and said, And you? Are you coming? In an instant I shall slip out the same way, he said. I'll wait for him. You go on, said Victoire. And the lift went down. Lupin went to the telephone, rang the bell, and put the receiver to his ear. You have no time to waste telephoning. They may be here at any moment, cried Victoire anxiously. I must. If I don't telephone, Sonya will come here. She will run right into Guershaw's arms. Like the devil don't they answer, they must be deaf. And he rang the bell again. Let's go to her. Let's get out of here, cried Victoire more anxiously. There really isn't any time to waste. Go to her? But I don't know where she is. I lost my head last night, cried Lupin, suddenly anxious himself. Are you there? He shouted into the telephone. She's at a little hotel near the star. Are you there? There are 20 hotels near the star. Are you there? Oh, I did lose my head last night. Are you there? Oh, hang this telephone. Here I'm fighting with a piece of furniture, and every second is important. He picked up the machine, shook it, saw that the wires were cut and cried furiously. Ha! They've played the telephone trick on me. That's Guershaw, the swine. And now he can come along, cried Victoire. But that's just what I can't do, he cried. But there's nothing more for you to do here. Since you can no longer telephone, said Victoire bewildered. Lupin caught her arm and shook her, staring into her face with panic-stricken eyes. But don't you understand, that since I haven't telephone, she'll come here, he cried hoarsely. Five and twenty minutes past eight. At half past eight, she'll start, start to come here. His face had suddenly grown haggard. This new fear had brought back all the exhaustion of the night. His eyes were panic-stricken. But what about you? said Victoire, wringing her hands. What about her? said Lupin. And his voice drilled with anguished dread. But you gain nothing by destroying both of you, nothing at all. I prefer it, said Lupin, slowly, with a sudden, stubborn air. But they're coming to take you, cried Victoire, gripping his arm. Take me? cried Lupin, freeing himself quietly from her grip. And he stood frowning, plunged in deep thought, weighing the chances, the risks, seeking a plan, saving devices. He crossed the room to the writing table, opened a drawer, and took out a cardboard box about eight inches square and set it on the table. They shall never take me alive, he said gloomily. Oh, hush, hush, said Victoire. I know very well that you're capable of anything. And they, too, don't destroy you. No, look, you, you must go. They won't do anything to her, a child like that, so frail. She'll get off quite easily. You're coming, aren't you? No, I'm not, said Lupin, stubbornly. Oh, well, if you won't, said Victoire. And with an air of resolution, she went to the side of the lift well and pressed the buttons. The doors closed, the bouquets slid across. She sat down and folded her arms. What? You're not going to stop here, cried Lupin. Make me stir, if you can. I'm as fond of you as she is. You know I am, said Victoire. And her face set stonely obstinate. Lupin begged her to go, ordered her to go. He seized her by the shoulder, shook her, and abused her like a pickpocket. She would not stir. He abandoned the effort, sat down, and knitted his brow again in profound and painful thought, working out his plan. Now and again his eyes flashed. Once or twice they twinkled. Victoire watched his face with just the faintest hope on her own. It was past five and twenty minutes to nine when the front door bell rang. They gazed at one another with an unspoken question on their lips. The eyes of Victoire were scared, but in the eyes of Lupin, the light of battle was gathering. It's her, said Victoire under her breath. No, said Lupin. It's Guerchard. He sprang to his feet with shining eyes. His lips were curved in a fighting smile. The game isn't lost yet. He said in a tense, quiet voice. I'm going to play to the end. I have a card or two left still, good cards. I'm still the Duke of Charnhouse, he turned to her. Now listen to me, he said. Go down and open the door for him. What? You want me to? Said Victoire in a shaky voice. Yes, I do. Listen to me carefully. When you have opened the door, slip out of it and watch the house. Don't go too far from it. Look out for Sonia. You'll see her coming. Stop her from entering, Victoire. Stop her from entering. He spoke coolly, but his voice shook on the last words. But if Guerchard arrests me, said Victoire, he won't. When he comes in, stand behind the door. He will be too eager to get to me to stop for you. Besides, for him, you don't count in the game. Once you're out of the house, I'll hold him here for perhaps an hour. That will leave a margin. Sonia will hurry here. She should be here in 12 minutes. Get her away to the house at Passy. If I don't come, keep her there. She's to live with you. But I shall come. As he spoke, he was pushing her towards the door. The bell rang again. They were at the top of the stairs. Suppose he does arrest me, said Victoire breathlessly. Never mind. You must go all the same, said Lupin. Don't give up hope. Trust me. Go. Go, for my sake. I'm going, theory, said Victoire. And she went down the stairs steadily with a brave air. He watched her halfway down the flight. Then he muttered. If only she gets to Sonia in time. He turned, went into the smoking room, and shut the door. He sat quietly down in an easy chair, blighted a cigarette, and took up a paper. He heard the noise of the traffic in the street grow louder as the front door was opened. There was a pause. Then he heard the door bang. There was a sound of a hasty footstep on the stairs. The door flew open, and Gershard bounced into the room. He stopped short in front of the door at the site of Lupin, quietly reading, smoking at his ease. He had expected to find the bird flown. He stood still, hesitating, shuffling his feet. All his doubts had returned. And Lupin smiled at him over the lowered paper. Gershard pulled himself together by a violent effort and said jerkly, Good morning, Lupin. Good morning, Monsieur Gershard, said Lupin, with an ambiguous smile and all the air of the Duke of Charmhasse. You were expecting me? I hope I haven't kept you waiting, said Gershard, with an air of bravado. No, thank you. The time has passed quite quickly. I have so much to do in the morning, always, said Lupin. I hope you had a good night after that unfortunate business of the coronet. That was a disaster. And so unexpected, too. Gershard came a few steps into the room, still hesitating. You have a very charming house here, he said, with a sneer. It's central, said Lupin, carelessly. You must please excuse me if I cannot receive you as I should like. But all my servants have bolted. Those confounded detectives of yours have frightened them away. You needn't bother about that. I shall catch them, said Gershard. If you do, I'm sure I wish you joy of them. Do please keep your hat on, said Lupin, with ironic politeness. Gershard came slowly to the middle of the room, raising his hand to his hat, letting it fall again without taking it off. He sat down slowly, facing him, and they gazed at one another with the wary eyes of duelists, crossing swords at the beginning of a duo. Did you get, M. F. Mohi, to sign a little warrant, said Lupin, in a caressing tone, full of quiet mockery? I did, said Gershard, through his teeth. And have you got it on you, said Lupin? I have, said Gershard, against Lupin or against the dupe of Charmhasse, said Lupin. Against Lupin, called Charmhasse, said Gershard, well, that ought to cover me pretty well. Why don't you arrest me? What are you waiting for? Said Lupin, his face was entirely serene. His eyes were careless, his tone indifferent. I'm not waiting for anything. Said Gershard, thickly. But it gives me such pleasure that I wish to enjoy this minute through the utmost, Lupin. Said Gershard. And his eyes glotted on him. Lupin himself, said Lupin, smiling. I hardly dare believe it. Said Gershard. You're quite right not to, said Lupin. Yes, I hardly dare believe it. Are you alive here at my mercy? Oh, dear, no, not yet, said Lupin. Yes, said Gershard, in a decisive tone. And ever so much more than you think. He bent forward, stored him, with his hands on his knees and said, Do you know where Sonia Kritchanov is at this moment? What? said Lupin sharply. I ask if you know where Sonia Kritchanov is. Said Gershard, slowly, lingering over the words. Do you, said Lupin? I do, said Gershard, triumphantly. Where is she, said Lupin, in a tone of utter incredulity in a small hotel near the star. The hotel has a telephone and you can make sure, said Gershard. Indeed, that's very interesting. What's the number of it? Said Lupin, in a mocking tone. 555 Central, would you like to telephone to her? Said Gershard, and his smile triumphantly at the disabled instrument. Lupin shook his head with a careless smile and said, Why should I telephone to her? What are you driving at? Nothing, that's all. Said Gershard. And he leaned back in his chair with an ugly smile on his face. Evidently nothing. Four, after all. What has that child got to do with you? You're not interested in her plainly. She's not big enough game for you. It's me you are hunting. It's me you hate. It's me you want. I've played your tricks enough for that, you old scoundrel. So you're going to leave that child in peace? You're not going to revenge yourself on her. It's all very well for you to be a policeman. It's all very well for you to hate me. But there are things one does not do. There was a ring of menace and appeal in the deep, ringing tones of his voice. You're not going to do that, Gershard. You will not do it. Me? Yes. Anything you like. But her? Her you must not touch. Gazed at the detective with fierce, appealing eyes. That depends on you, Gershard, curtly. On me? cried Lupin, in genuine surprise. Yes. I have a little bargain to propose to you. Gershard. I have you, said Lupin. And his watchful face was serene again. His smile almost pleasant. Yes. And he paused hesitating. Well, what is it you want, said Lupin? Out with it. Don't be shy about it. I offer you. You offer me, cried Lupin. Then it isn't true. You're fooling me. Reassure yourself, said Gershard, curtly. To you, personally, I offer nothing. Then you are sincere, said Lupin. And putting me out of the question, I offer you liberty. Who for? For my concierge, said Lupin. Don't play the fool. You care only for a single person in the world. I hold you through her. Sonia Kritchnoff. Lupin burst into a ringing, irrepressible laugh. Oh, you're trying to blackmail me, you old sweep. He cried. If you like to call it so. Said Gershard, coldly. Lupin rose and walked backwards and forwards across the room, frowning, calculating. Glancing keenly at Gershard, weighing him. Twice he looked at the clock. He stopped and said coldly. So be it. For the moment, you're the stronger. That won't last. But you offer me this child's liberty. That's my offer. Said Gershard. And his eyes brightened at the prospect of success. Her complete liberty? On your word of honor? Said Lupin. And he had something of the air of a cat, playing with a mouse. Oh, my word of honor. Said Gershard. Can you do it? Said Lupin. With a sudden air of doubt. And he looked sharply from Gershard to the clock. I undertake to do it. Said Gershard, confidently. But how, Said Lupin, looking at him with an expression of the gravest doubt. Oh, I'll put the thefts on your shoulders. That will let her out all right. Said Gershard. I've certainly good broad shoulders, Said Lupin, with a bitter smile. He walked slowly, up and down, with an air that grew more and more depressed. It was almost the air of a beaten man. Then he stopped and faced Gershard and said, And what is it you want in exchange? Everything. Said Gershard. With the air of a man who's winning. You must give me back the pictures, tapestry, renaissance cabinets, the coronet, and all the information about the death of the Duke of Shamras. Did you kill him? If I ever commit suicide, you'll know all about it by good Gershard. You'll be there. You may even join me, Said Lupin grimly. He resumed his spacing up and down the room. Done for, yes. I shall be done for, he said presently. The fact is, you want my skin. Yes, I want your skin, Said Gershard, in a low, savage, vindictive tone. My skin, Said Lupin thoughtfully. Are you going to do it? Think of that girl, Said Gershard, in a fresh excess of uneasy anxiety. Lupin left. I can give you a glass of port, he said, But I'm afraid that's all I can do for you. I'll throw Victoire in, Said Gershard. What, cried Lupin, You've arrested Victoire? There was a ring of utter dismay in his tongue. Yes, and I'll throw her in. She shall go scot-free. I won't bother with her, Said Gershard, eagerly. The front door bell rang. Wait, wait, let me think, Said Lupin hoarsely. And he strove to adjust his jostling ideas to meet with a fresh plan this fresh disaster. He stood listening with all his ears. There were footsteps on the stairs and the door opened. On the threshold. Who is it, Said Gershard? I accept, I accept everything, cried Lupin in a frantic tone. It's a tradesman. Am I to detain him, Said Yusie? You told me to let you know who came and take instructions. A tradesman? Then I refuse, cried Lupin in an ecstasy of relief. No, you needn't keep him, Said Gershard to Yusie. Yusie went out and shut the door. You refuse, Said Gershard. I refuse, Said Lupin. I'm going to jail that girl, Said Gershard savagely. And he took a step towards the door. Not for long, Said Lupin quietly. You have no proof. She'll furnish the proof all right herself. Plenty of proofs, Said Gershard brutally. What chance has a silly child like that got when you really start questioning her? A delicate creature like that will crumple up the end of the third day's cross-examination. You swine, Said Lupin. You know well enough that I can do it on my head with a feeble child like that. And you know your code. Five years is the minimum, Said Gershard, in a tone of relentless brutality watching him carefully sticking to his hope. By Jove, I could ring your neck, Said Lupin, trembling with fury. By a violent effort he controlled himself and said thoughtfully, After all, if I give up everything to you, I shall be free to take it back one of these days. Oh, no doubt when you come out of prison. Said Gershard ironically. And he laughed, a grim, jeering laugh. I've got to go to prison first, Said Lupin quietly. Pardon me. If you accept, I mean to arrest you, Said Gershard. And lastly, you'll arrest me if you can, Said Lupin. Do you accept, Said Gershard, and again his voice quivered with anxiety. Well, Said Lupin, and he paused as if finally weighing the matter. Well, Said Gershard, and his voice shook. Well, no, Said Lupin, and he left a mocking laugh. You won't, Said Gershard between his teeth. No, you wish to catch me. This is just a ruse, Said Lupin quiet, measure tones. At bottom, you don't care a hang about Sonia, Mademoiselle Kritschnoff. You will not arrest her. And then, if you did, you have no proofs. There are no proofs. As for dependent, you'd have to prove it. I can't prove it. You can't prove that it was in her possession one moment. Where is dependent? He paused and then went on in the same quiet tone. No, Gershard. After having kept out of your clutches for the last ten years, I'm not going to be caught to save this child, who's not even in danger. She has a very useful friend in the Duke of Charmaras. I refuse. Gershard stared at him, scowling, biting his lips, seeking a fresh point of attack. For the moment, he knew himself baffled, but he still clung tenaciously to the struggle in which victory would be so precious. The front doorbell rang again. There's a lot of ringing at your bell this morning, Said Gershard under his breath, and hope sprang afresh in him. Again, they stood silent, waiting. Duzzi opened the door, put in his head and said, It's mademoiselle Kritschnoff! Color her! Here's the warrant! Color her! Shouted Gershard with savage triumph and joy. Never! You shan't touch her! By heaven, you shan't touch her! cried Lupin frantically, and he sprang like a tiger at Gershard. Gershard jumped to the other side of the table. Will you accept then? he cried. Lupin gripped the edge of the table with both hands and stood panting, grinding his teeth, pale with fury. He stood silent and motionless for perhaps half a minute, gazing at Gershard with burning, murderous eyes. Then he nodded his head. Let mademoiselle Kritschnoff wait, Said Gershard, with a sigh of deep relief. Duzzi went out of the room. Now, let us settle exactly how he stand, Lupin, in a clear and sizeable voice. The bargain is this. If I give you the pictures, the tapestry, the cabinet, the coronet, and the death certificate of the Duke of Charmhasse, you give me your word of honor that mademoiselle Kritschnoff shall not be touched. That's it, Said Gershard, eagerly. Once I deliver these things to you, mademoiselle Kritschnoff passes out of the game. Yes, Said Gershard. Whatever happens afterwards, if I get back anything, if I escape, she goes scot-free, Said Lupin. Yes, Said Gershard, and his eyes were shining. Own your word of honor, Said Lupin, on my word of honor, Said Gershard. Very well, Said Lupin, in a quiet business-like voice. To begin with, here in this pocketbook, in it, you will also find the receipt of the plant and furniture repository at Batignol, for the objects of art which I collected at Gournet Martins. I sent them to Batignol, because in my letters asking the owners of valuables to forward them to me, I always make Batignol the place to which they are to be sent. Therefore, I knew that you would never look there. They are all in cases. For, while you were making those valuable inquiries yesterday, you will not find the receipt in the name of either the Duke of Charmehas or my own. It is in the name of a respected proprietor of Batignol, a Messier Pierre Servien. But he has lately left that charming suburb, and I do not think he will return to it. Gershard almost snatched the pocketbook out of his hand. He verified the documents in it with greedy eyes, and then he put them back in it and stuffed it into the breast pocket of his coat. There's the coronet, he said, in an excited voice. You're nearly standing on it, Saint-Lupin. It's in that kit bag at your feet on the top of the change of clothes in it. Gershard snatched up the kit bag, opened it, and took out the coronet. I'm afraid I haven't the case, Saint-Lupin, in a tone of regret. If you remember, I left it at Gournet Martins in your charge. Gershard examined the coronet carefully. There were stones in it. He weighed it in his right hand and he weighed it in his left. Are you sure it's the real one? Saint-Lupin, in a tone of a cute but affected anxiety. Do not, oh, do not, let us have any more of these painful mistakes about it. They are so wearing. Yes, yes, this is the real one, Saint-Gershard, with another deep sigh of relief. Well, have you done bleeding me? Saint-Lupin contemptuously your arms Saint-Gershard quickly They weren't in the bond, Saint-Lupin, but here you are and he threw his revolver on the table. Gershard picked it up and put it into his pocket. He looked at Lupin as if he could not believe his eyes gloating over him. Then he sat in a deep triumphant tone and now for the handcuffs. End of chapter 22 Chapter 23 of our Saint-Lupin by Maurice Leblanc translated by Edgar Jepsen this LibriVox recording is in the public domain Chapter 23 The end of the duel The handcuffs, Saint-Lupin and his face fell Then it cleared and he added lightly After all, there's nothing like being careful and by Jove with me you need to be I might get away yet What luck it is for you So soft, so little of a sham-has so human Truly, I can't be much of a man of the world to be in love like this Come come, hold out your hands Saint-Gershard, jingling the handcuffs impatiently I should like to see that child for the last time Saint-Lupin gently Alright, Saint-Gershard Ah, Saint-Lupin and nabbed by you if you aren't in luck Here you are Saint-Lupin literally and he held out his wrists Gershard snapped the handcuffs on them with a grunt of satisfaction Lupin gazed down at them with a bitter face and said Oh, you are in luck You're not married by any chance Yes, yes I am Saint-Gershard hastily and he went quickly to the door and opened it Die Sie, he called like flushed and scowling He cried with these things on my hands No, I can't see her Gershard stood still looking at him Lupin scowled slowly softened and he said Have to himself I should have liked to see her very much For if she goes like that I shall not know when or where He stopped short, raised his eyes and said in a decided tone Yes, I should like to see her If you've quite made up your mind Saint-Gershard impatiently and he went into the anti-room Lupin stood very still frowning thoughtfully He heard footsteps on the stairs and then the voice of Gershard in the anti-room saying in a jeering tone You're free, mademoiselle and you can thank the Duke for it You owe your liberty to him Free And I owe it to him cried the voice of Sonia ringing in golden with extravagant joy Yes, mademoiselle, Saint-Gershard you owe it to him She came through the open door flushed deliciously and smiling her eyes brimming with tears of joy Lupin had never seen her look half so adorable Is it to you I owe it Then I shall owe everything to you Oh, thank you, thank you She cried, holding out her hands to him Lupin half turned away from her to hide his handcuffs She misunderstood the movement Her face fell suddenly like that of a child rebuked Oh, I was wrong I was wrong to come here She cried quickly and changed dolerous tones I thought yesterday I made a mistake, pardon me I'm going, I'm going Lupin was looking at her over his shoulder standing sideways to hide the handcuffs He said sadly So yeah No, no, I understand It was impossible She cried quickly, cutting him short And yet, if you only knew If you knew how I have changed With what a changed spirit I came here And I swear now I hate all my past I loathe it I swear now the mere presence of a thief would overwhelm me with disgust Hush said Lupa, flushing deeply in wincy Hush Oh, you're right, she said in a gentler voice One can't wipe out what one has done If I were to give back everything I've taken If I were to spend years in remorse and repentance it would be no use In your eyes I should always be Sonia Kirchner of the thief The gray tears welled slowly out of her eyes and rolled down her cheeks She let them stream unheeded Sonia cried Lupa protesting But she would not hear him She broke out with fresh vehemence A feverish passion And yet, if I'd been a thief Like so many others But you know why I stole I'm not trying to defend myself But after all, I did it to keep honest And when I loved you It was not the heart of a thief that thrilled It was the heart of a poor girl who loved That's all You don't know what you're doing You're torturing me, be quiet Cried Lupin hoarsely beside himself Nevermind, I'm going We shall never see one another anymore She sobbed But will you? Will you shake hands just for the last time? No, cried Lupin You won't? Wailed Sonia in a heart-turning tone I can't, cried Lupin What not to be like this? Last night If you were going to let me go like this Last night, it was wrong She wailed and turned to go Wait, Sonia, wait! Cried Lupin hoarsely A moment ago you said something You said that the mere presence of a thief Would overwhelm you with this gust Is that true? Yes, I swear it is, cried Sonia Guersha appeared in the doorway And if I were not the man you believe Said Lupin somberly What? Said Sonia And a faint bewilderment mingled with her grief If I were not the Duke of Chamhaz Not the Duke? If I were not an honest man Said Lupin You? cried Sonia If I were a thief If I were Arsène Lupin Dior Guersha from the door Lupin turned and held out his menacled wrists For her to see Arsène Lupin It's true Stammered Sonia But then It must be for my sake that you've given yourself up And it's for me you're going to prison Oh heavens, how happy I am She sprang to him Through her arms round his neck and pressed her lips to his And that's what women call repenting Said Guersha He shrugged his shoulders Went out onto the landing And called a policeman in the hall To bid the driver of the prison van Which was waiting, bring it up to the door Oh, this is incredible Cried Lupin in a trembling voice And he kissed Sonia's lips and eyes and hair To think that you love me enough To go on loving me in spite of this In spite of the fact that I am Arsène Lupin Oh, after this I'll become an honest man It's the least I can do, I'll retire You will? cried Sonia Upon my soul, I will Cried Lupin And he kissed her again and again Guersha came back into the room He looked at them with a cynical grin and said Time's up Oh Guersha, after so many others Oh you, the best minute of my life Cried Lupin Bon avant, still in his supporters' library Came hurrying through the anti-room Master, he cried, I found it Found what? Said Guersha, the secret entrance It opens into that little side street We haven't got the door open yet But we soon shall The last link in the chain Said Guersha, with warm satisfaction Come along Lupin But he's going to take you away We're going to be separated Cried Sonia, in a sudden anguish of realization It's all the same to me now Cried Lupin, in the voice of a conqueror Yes, but not to me Cried Sonia, wringing her hands Now, you must get calm and go I'm not going to prison Said Lupin, in a low voice Wait in the hall if you can Stop and talk to Victoire Come door with her If they turn you out of the house Wait close to the front door Cried Guersha, you must go Go Sonia, go Goodbye, goodbye Said Lupin, and he kissed her She went quietly out of the room Her hand kerchiefed to her eyes Guersha held open the door for her And kept it open, with his hand still on the handle He sat Lupin, come along Lupin yawned Stretched himself and said Coulee My dear Guersha What I want after the last two nights Is rest He walked quickly across the room And stretched himself comfortably At full length on the couch Come get up Said Guersha roughly The prison van is waiting for you That ought to fat you out of your dream Really, you do say the most Unlucky things Said Lupin gaily He had resumed his flippant Lighthearted air His voice rang as lightly And pleasantly as if he had Not a care in the world Do you mean that you refuse To come? Guersha in a rough threatening tone Oh no, said Lupin quickly And he rose, then come along Said Guersha No, said Lupin After all it's too early Once more, he stretched himself Out on the couch and added Languidly I'm launching at the English Embassy Now you be careful Great Guersha, angry Our parts are changed If you're snatching at a less straw It's waste of time All your tricks, I know them Understand you rogue, I know them You know them Said Lupin with a smile rising It's fatality He stood before Guersha Twisting his hands and wrists curiously Half a dozen Swift movements And he held out his handcuffs And threw them on the floor Did you know that trick, Guersha? One of these days I shall teach you to invite me To lunch, he said slowly In a mocking tone And he gazed at the detective With menacing, dangerous eyes Come, come We've had enough of this, cried Guersha In mingled astonishment, anger And alarm Bon affin, boursin, dieuse Here, help, help He shouted Now listen, Guersha, and understand That I'm not humbugging, said Lupin Quickly, in clear compelling tones If Sonia just now Had had one word, one gesture Of contempt for me I'd have given way, yielded Half yielded at any rate For rather than falling Sure triumphant clutches I'd have blown my brains out I've now to choose between happiness Life with Sonia or prison Well, I've chosen I will live happy with her Or else, my dear Guersha, I'll die with you Now let your men come, I'm ready for them Guersha ran to the door And shouted again I think the fat's in the fire now Said Lupin, laughing He sprang to the table Opened the cardboard box Whipped off the top layer of cotton wool And took out a shining bomb He sprang to the wall He pressed the button The bookshelf glided slowly to one side The lift rose to the level of the floor Just as the detectives rushed in Caller him, yelled Guersha Stand back Hands up, cried Lupin In a terrible voice Raising his right hand high above his head You know what this is A bomb Come and call me now, you swine Hands up, you, Guersha You silly fucks, wrote Guersha Do you think he dare? Come and see, cried Lupin I will, cried Guersha And he took a step forward As one man, his detectives threw themselves upon him Three of them gripped his arms A fourth gripped him round the waist And they all shouted at him together Not to be a madman To look at Lupin's eyes That Lupin was off his head What miserable swine you are Cried Lupin scornfully He sprang forward Caught up the kitbag in his left hand And tossed it behind him into the lift You dirty crew He cried again Oh, why isn't there a photographer here And now, Guersha, you thief Give me back my pocketbook Never, screamed Guersha Struggling with his men Purple with fury Oh, Lord Master, do be careful Don't rile him, cried Bonavent in an agony What? Do you want me to smash up the whole lot? Roard Lupin In a furious, terrible voice Do I look as if I were bluffing you fools? Let him have his way, Master, cried Yezi Yes, yes, cried Bonavent Let him have his way, cried another Give him his pocketbook, cried a third Never, howl Guersha It's in his pocket, his breast pocket Be smart, roard Lupin Come, come, it's got to be given to him, cried Bonavent Hold the master tight And he thrust his hand into the breast of Guersha's coat And tore out the pocketbook Throw it on the table, cried Lupin Bonavent threw it on to the table And it slid along it right to Lupin He caught it in his left hand And slipped it into his pocket Good, he said And then he yelled ferociously Look out for the bomb And made a faint of throwing it The whole group fell back With an odd, unanimous sign grown Lupin sprang into the lift And the doors closed over the opening There was a great sigh of relief From the frightened detectives And then the chunking of machinery As the lift sank Their grip on Guersha loosened He shook himself free and shouted After him, you've got to make up for this Down into the cellar, some of you Others go to the secret engines Others to the servants engines Getting to the street, be smart Guershi, take the lift with me The others ran out of the room And down the stairs But with no great hardiness Since their minds were still quite full of the bomb And Lupin still had it with him Guersha and Guershi dashed at the doors Of the opening of the lift well Pulling and wrenching at them Suddenly there was a click And they heard the grunting of the machinery There was a little bump and a jerk The doors flew open of themselves And there was the lift, empty Ready for them They jumped into it Guersha's quick eye caught the button And he pressed it The doors banged to, into his horror The lift shot upwards About eight feet And stuck between the floors As the lift stuck, a second compartment Exactly like the one Guersha and Guershi were in Came up to the level of the floor Of the smoking room The doors opened And there was Lupin But again, how changed The clothes of the duke of Shamha slid The floor, the kit bag was open And he was wearing the very clothes Of Chief Inspector Guersha His seedy top hat, his cloak He wore also Guersha's sparse Blank, black hair His little bristling black moustache His figure, hidden by the cloak Seemed to have shrunk To the size of Guersha's He sat before a mirror In the wall of the lift, a makeup box On the seat beside him He darkened his eyebrows and put a liner to About his eyes. That done He looked at himself earnestly For two or three minutes And, as he looked A truly marvelous transformation to place The features of Arsène Lupin Of the duke of Shamha's Decomposed Actually, decomposed Into the features of Jean Guersha He looked at himself And left, the gentle Husky laugh of Guersha He rose, transferred The pocketbook to the coat he was wearing Picked up the balm, came out into The smoking room and listened A muffled roaring thumping Came from the well of the lift It almost sounded as if In their exasperation, Guersha And Dieuzy were engaged In a struggle to the death Smiling pleasantly He stole to the window and looked out His eyes brightened at the Site of the motor car, Guersha's car Waiting just before the front door And in charge of a policeman He stole to the head of the stairs And looked down into the hall Victoire was sitting, huddled together On a chair Sonia stood beside her, talking to her In a low voice And, keeping guard on Victoire, stood A brown-faced, active, nervous policeman All alertness, bristness, keenness Hi, officer, come up here, be smart Cried Lupin over the banisters In the husky, gentle voice Of Chief Inspector Guersha The policeman looked up, recognized A great detective and came Bounding zealously up the stairs Lupin led the way through the enter room Into the sitting room, then he said sharply You have your revolver Yes, said the young policeman And he drew it with a flourish Put it away, put it away at once Said Lupin very smartly You're not to use it, you're not to use it On any account, you understand Yes, said the policeman firmly And with a slightly bewildered air He put the revolver away Here, stand here, cried Lupin Raising his voice And he caught the policeman's arm And hustled him roughly to the front Of the doors of the lift well Do you see these doors? Do you see them? He snapped, yes, yes Said the policeman, glaring at them There are the doors of the lift, said Lupin In that lift are Duzzi and Lupin You know Duzzi, yes, yes There are only Duzzi and Lupin in the lift They are struggling together You can hear them Shouted Lupin in the policeman's ear Lupin's disguised, you understand Duzzi and the disguised men are in the lift The disguised man is Lupin Directly, the lift descends And the doors open Throw yourself on him, hold him Look for assistance He almost bellowed the last words Into the policeman's ear Yes, yes, said the policeman And he brazed himself before the doors of the lift well Gazing at them with harried eyes As if he expected them to bite him Be brave Be ready to die in the discharge of your duty Bellowed Lupin And he walked out of the room Shut the door and turned the key The policeman stood listening To the noise of the struggle in the lift He was strung up to fighting point He was panting Lupin's instructions were whirling And dancing in his head Lupin went quietly down the stairs Victoire and Sonia saw him coming Victoire rose And as he came to the bottom of the stairs Sonia stepped forward And sat in an anxious, pleading voice Oh, Monsieur Gershaw, where is he? He's here, said Lupin In his natural voice Sonia sprang to him Without stretched arms It's you, it is you, she cried Just look how like him I am Said Lupin, laughing triumphantly But do I look quite ruffian enough? Oh no, you couldn't Cried Sonia Isn't he a wonder, said Victoire This time, the Duke of Chamhasse Is dead, for good and all Said Lupin No, it's Lupin that's dead Said Sonia softly Lupin, he said surprised Said Sonia firmly It would be a terrible loss, you know A loss for friends Said Lupin gravely Nevermind, said Sonia Oh, I must be in love with you Said Lupin, in a wandering tone And he put his arm round her And kissed her violently And you want still any more? Said Sonia, holding him back With both hands on his shoulders Looking into his eyes I shouldn't dream of such a thing Said Lupin You are here, Gershaw is in the lift What more could I possibly desire? His voice softened And grew infinitely caressing As he went on Yet, when you are at my side I shall always have the soul of a lover And the soul of a thief I long to steal your kisses, your thoughts The whole of your heart Ha, Sonia, if you want me to steal nothing else I have only to stay by my side Their lips met in a long kiss Sonia drew herself out of his arms And cried But we're wasting time We must make haste, we must fly Fly, said Lupin sharply No, thank you, never again I did fly in enough last night To last me a lifetime For the rest of my life I'm going to crawl Crawl like a snail We'll come along you two I must take you to the police station He opened the front door And they came out on the steps The policemen in charge of the car saluted Lupin paused and said softly Hark, I hear the sound of wedding bells They went down the steps Even as they were getting into the car Some chance blow of Gershaw or Dieuse Struck a hidden spring And released the lift It sank to the level of Lupin's Smoking room and stopped The doors flew open Dieuse and Gershaw Sprang out of it And on the instant The brown-faced, nervous policemen Sprang actively on Gershaw And pinned him Taken by surprise Gershaw yelled loudly You stupid idiot Somehow entangled his legs And those of his captor And they rolled on the floor Dieuse surveyed them for a moment With blank astonishment Then with swift intelligence The fact that the policemen Was Lupin and these guys He sprang upon them Toward them asunder Fell heavily on the policemen And pinned him to the floor With a strangling hand on his throat Gershaw dashed to the door Tried it and found it locked Dashed for the window, threw it open And thrust out his head 40 yards down the street A motor car was rolling smoothly away Rolling to a honeymoon Oh, hang it, he screamed He's doing a bunk in my motor car End of chapter 23 End of Arsene Le Pen By Mohis Leblanc Translated by Edgar Jepsen