Devanne exclaimed with much
gusto:
"Ah! monsieur, you are here! I am delighted to see you. It is a
long-deferred pleasure. Really, I scarcely regret what has
happened, since it affords me the opportunity to meet you. But,
how did you come?"
"By the train."
"But I sent my automobile to meet you at the station."
"An official reception, eh? with music and fireworks! Oh! no, not
for me. That is not the way I do business," grumbled the
Englishman.
This speech disconcerted Devanne, who replied, with a forced smile:
"Fortunately, the business has been greatly simplified since I
wrote to you."
"In what way?"
"The robbery took place last night."
"If you had not announced my intended visit, it is probable the
robbery would not have been committed last night."
"When, then?"
"To-morrow, or some other day."
"And in that case?"
"Lupin would have been trapped," said the detective.
"And my furniture?"
"Would not have been carried away."
"Ah! but my goods are here. They were brought back at three
o'clock."
"By Lupin."
"By two army-wagons."
Sherlock Holmes put on his cap and adjusted his satchel. Devanne
exclaimed, anxiously:
"But, monsieur, what are you going to do?"
"I am going home.
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