"
They approached the machine, and Mon. Devanne questioned the
chauffer:
"Edouard, who gave you orders to come here?"
"Why, it was Monsieur Velmont."
"Mon. Velmont? Did you meet him?"
"Near the railway station, and he told me to come to the chapel."
"To come to the chapel! What for?"
"To wait for you, monsieur, and your friend."
Devanne and Holmes exchanged looks, and Mon. Devanne said:
"He knew the mystery would be a simple one for you. It is a
delicate compliment."
A smile of satisfaction lighted up the detective's serious features
for a moment. The compliment pleased him. He shook his head, as
he said:
"A clever man! I knew that when I saw him."
"Have you seen him?"
"I met him a short time ago--on my way from the station."
"And you knew it was Horace Velmont--I mean, Arsene Lupin?"
"That is right. I wonder how it came--"
"No, but I supposed it was--from a certain ironical speech he made."
"And you allowed him to escape?"
"Of course I did. And yet I had everything on my side, such as
five gendarmes who passed us."
"Sacrableu!" cried Devanne. "You should have taken advantage of
the opportunity.
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