"Please observe," stammered the baron, "that you are making it impossible for me to speak."

Sernine released his hold of him:

"To the point! ... And look sharp! ... Answer... . Genevieve?"

"There is one thing," replied the baron, "which is much more urgent, especially where fellows like you and me are concerned, and that is to feel one's self at home... ."

And he carefully closed the front door, which he barricaded with bolts.

Then, leading Sernine to the adjoining drawing-room, a room without furniture or curtains, he said:

"Now I'm your man. What can I do for you, prince?"

"Genevieve?"

"She is in perfect health."

"Ah, so you confess ... ?"

"Of course! I may even tell you that your imprudence in this respect surprised me. Why didn't you take a few precautions? It was inevitable.

"Enough! Where is she?"

"You are not very polite."

"Where is she?"

"Between four walls, free... ."

"Free?"

"Yes, free to go from one wall to another."

"Where? Where?"

"Come, prince, do you think I should be fool enough to tell you the secret by which I hold you? You love the little girl ..."

"Hold your tongue!" shouted Sernine, beside himself. "I forbid you.

"What next? Is there anything to be ashamed of? I love her myself and I have risked ..."

He did not complete his sentence, frightened by the terrific anger of Sernine, a restrained, dumb anger that distorted the prince's features.

They looked at each other for a long time, each of them seeking for the adversary's weak point. At last, Sernine stepped forward and, speaking very distinctly, like a man who is threatening rather than proposing a compact:

"Listen to me," he said. "You remember the offer of partnership which you made me? The Kesselbach business for the two of us ... we were to act together ... we were to share the profits... . I refused... .

To-day, I accept... ."

"Too late."

"Wait! I accept more than that: I give the whole business up... . I shall take no further part in it... . You shall have it all... . If necessary, I'll help you."

"What is the condition?"

"Tell me where Genevieve is."

The baron shrugged his shoulders:

"You're driveling, Lupin. I'm sorry for you ... at your age... ."

There was a fresh silence between the two enemies, a terrible silence.

Then the baron sneered:

"All the same, it's a holy joy to see you like that, sniveling and begging. I say, it seems to me that the private soldier is giving his general a sound beating!"

"You ass!" muttered Sernine.

"Prince, I shall send you my seconds this evening ... if you are still in this world."

"You ass!" repeated Sernine, with infinite contempt.

"You would rather settle the matter here and now? As you please, prince: your last hour has struck. You can commend your soul to God. You smile!

That's a mistake. I have one immense advantage over you! I kill ...

when it's necessary... ."

"You ass!" said Sernine once more. He took out his watch. "It is two o'clock, baron. You have only a few minutes left. At five past two, ten past at the very latest, M. Weber and half-a-dozen sturdy men, without a scruple amongst them, will lay hands on you... . Don't you smile, either. The outlet on which you're reckoning is discovered; I know it: it is guarded. So you are thoroughly caught. It means the scaffold, old chap."

Altenheim turned livid. He stammered:

"You did this? ... You have had the infamy ..."

"The house is surrounded. The assault is at hand. Speak ... and I will save you."

"How?"

"The men watching the outlet in the Pavillon Hortense belong to me. I have only to give you a word for them and you are saved. Speak!"

Altenheim reflected for a few seconds and seemed to hesitate; but, suddenly, resolutely, declared:

"This is all bluff. You would never have been simple enough to rush into the lion's mouth."

"You're forgetting Genevieve. But for her, do you think I should be here? Speak!"

"No."

"Very well. Let us wait," said Sernine. "A cigarette?"