On his arrival
there, quite recovered, he overwhelmed his saviour with thanks.
"I owe you my life, monsieur, and I shall not forget it. I do not
wish to alarm my wife at this time of night, but, to-morrow, she
will be pleased to thank you personally. Come and breakfast with
us. My name is Ludovic Imbert. May I ask yours?"
"Certainly, monsieur."
And he handed Mon. Imbert a card bearing the name: "Arsene Lupin."
* * * * *
At that time, Arsene Lupin did not enjoy the celebrity which the
Cahorn affair, his escape from the Prison de la Sante, and other
brilliant exploits, afterwards gained for him. He had not even
used the name of Arsene Lupin. The name was specially invented to
designate the rescuer of Mon. Imbert; that is to say, it was in
that affair that Arsene Lupin was baptized. Fully armed and ready
for the fray, it is true, but lacking the resources and authority
which command success, Arsene Lupin was then merely an apprentice
in a profession wherein he soon became a master.
With what a thrill of joy he recalled the invitation he received
that night! At last, he had reached his goal! At last, he had
undertaken a task worthy of his strength and skill! The Imbert
millions! What a magnificent feast for an appetite like his!
He prepared a special toilet for the occasion; a shabby frock-coat,
baggy trousers, a frayed silk hat, well-worn collar and cuffs, all
quite correct in form, but bearing the unmistakable stamp of
poverty.
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