"Why so obstinate, Ganimard?"

"Because Arsene Lupin is the only man in France of sufficient
calibre to invent and carry out a scheme of that magnitude."

"Mere words, Ganimard."

"But true ones. Look! What are they doing? Searching for
subterranean passages, stones swinging on pivots, and other nonsense
of that kind. But Lupin doesn't employ such old-fashioned methods.
He is a modern cracksman, right up to date."

"And how would you proceed?"

"I should ask your permission to spend an hour with him."

"In his cell?"

"Yes. During the return trip from America we became very
friendly, and I venture to say that if he can give me any
information without compromising himself he will not hesitate to
save me from incurring useless trouble."

It was shortly after noon when Ganimard entered the cell of Arsene
Lupin. The latter, who was lying on his bed, raised his head and
uttered a cry of apparent joy.

"Ah! This is a real surprise. My dear Ganimard, here!"