stions, say it's
for the lady in No. 130."

Then, addressing his other companion:

"Masher, go back to the station and take over the limousine. The price
is arranged: ten thousand francs. Buy a chauffeur's cap and overcoat and
bring the car to the hotel."

"The money, governor."

Lupin opened a pocketbook which had been removed from Daubrecq's jacket
and produced a huge bundle of bank-notes. He separated ten of them:

"Here you are. Our friend appears to have been doing well at the club.
Off with you, Masher!"

The two men went out through Clarisse's room. Lupin availed himself of
a moment when Clarisse Mergy was not looking to stow away the pocketbook
with the greatest satisfaction:

"I shall have done a fair stroke of business," he said to himself. "When
all the expenses are paid, I shall still be well to the good; and it's
not over yet."

Then turning to Clarisse Mergy, he asked:

"Have you a bag?"

"Yes, I bought one when I reached Nice, with some linen and a few
necessaries; for I left Paris unprepared."

"Get all that ready. Then go down to the office. Say that you are
expecting a trunk which a commissionaire is bringing from the station
cloakroom and that you will want to unpack and pack it again in your
room; and tell them that you are leaving."

When alone, Lupin examined Daubrecq carefully, felt in all his pockets
and appropriated everything that seemed to present any sort of interest.

The Growler was the first to return. The trunk, a large wicker hamper
covered with black moleskin, was taken into Clarisse's room. Assisted by
Clarisse and the Growler, Lupin moved Daubrecq and put him in the trunk,
in a sitting posture, but with his head bent so as to allow of the lid
being fastened:

"I don't say that it's as comfortable as your berth in a sleeping-car,
my dear deputy," Lupin observed. "But, all the same, it's better than a
coffin. At least, you can breathe. Three little holes in each side. You
have nothing to complain of!"

Then, unstopping a flask:

"A drop more chloroform? You seem to love it!..."

He soaked the pad once more, while, by his orders, Clarisse and the
Growler propped up the deputy with linen, rugs and pillows, which they
had taken the precaution to heap in the trunk.

"Capital!" said Lupin. "That trunk is fit to go round the world. Lock it
and strap it."

The Masher arrived, in a chauffeur's livery:

"The car's below, governor."

"Good," he said. "Take the trunk d