The fellow nodded. He understood my motive, though I fear he may have
misinterpreted the circumstances. We entered, and the girl nestled
back against the comfortable cushions, and we drove at a furious speed,
dodging down side streets at a rate that should have defied pursuit.

During the drive I instructed my companion emphatically.

"Since you have no friends here, you must have confidence in me,
_mademoiselle_," I said.

"And you are my friend? Well, _monsieur_, be sure I trust you," she
answered.

"You must listen to me attentively, then," I continued. "You must not
admit anybody to the apartment until I ring to-morrow. I have the key,
and I shall arrive at nine and ring, and then unlock the door. But
take no notice of the bell. You understand?"

"Yes, _monsieur_," she answered wearily. Her eyelids drooped; I saw
that she was very sleepy.

When the taxicab deposited us in front of the house, I glanced hastily
up and down the road. There was another cab at the east end of the
street, but I could not discern if it were approaching me or
stationary. I opened the front door quickly and admitted my companion,
then preceded her up the uncarpeted stairs to my little apartment on
the top floor. I was the only tenant in the house, and therefore there
would be no cause for embarrassment.