"And you, you who are usually so clear-sighted, really think that he will let himself be taken in by a trick! You don't consider his situation at this moment.He must be a prey to boundless terrors.
We know that Sauvresy's declaration will not be found, but he does not; he thinks that perhaps it has been found, that suspicions have been aroused, and that he is already being searched for and pursued by the police.""I've considered all that," responded M.Lecoq with a triumphant smile, "and many other things besides.Well, it isn't easy to decoy Tremorel out of the house.I've been cudgelling my brain about it a good deal, and have found a way at last.The idea occurred to me just as we were coming in here.The Count de Tremorel, in an hour from now, will be in the Faubourg St.Germain.It's true it will cost me a forgery, but you will forgive me under the circumstances.Besides, he who seeks the end must use the means."He took up a pen, and as he smoked his cigar, rapidly wrote the following:
"MONSIEUR WILSON:
"Four of the thousand-franc notes which you paid me are counterfeits; I have just found it out by sending them to my banker's.If you are not here to explain the matter before ten o'clock, I shall be obliged to put in a complaint this evening before the procureur.
"RECH."
"Now," said M.Lecoq, passing the letter to his companion."Do you comprehend?"The old justice read itat a glance and could not repress a joyful exclamation, which caused the waiters to turn around and stare at him.
Yes," said he, "this letter will catch him; it'll frighten him out of all his other terrors.He will say to himself that he might have slipped some counterfeit notes among those paid to the upholsterer, that a complaint against him will provoke an inquiry, and that he will have to prove that he is really Monsieur Wilson or he is lost.""So you think he'll come out?"
"I'm sure of it, unless he has become a fool.""I tell you we shall succeed then, for this is the only serious obstacle - "He suddenly interrupted himself.The restaurant door opened ajar, and a man passed his head in and withdrew it immediately.
"That's my man," said M.Lecoq, calling the waiter to pay for the dinner, "he is waiting for us in the passage; let us go."A young man dressed like a journeyman upholsterer was standing in the passage looking in at the shop-windows.He had long brown locks, and his mustache and eyebrows were coal-black.M.Plantat certainly did not recognize him as Palot, but M.Lecoq did, and even seemed dissatisfied with his get-up.
"Bad," growled he, "pitiable.Do you think it is enough, in order to disguise yourself, to change the color of your beard? Look in that glass, and tell me if the expression of your face is not just what it was before? Aren't your eye and smile the same? Then your cap is too much on one side, it is not natural; and your hand is put in your pocket awkwardly.""I'll try to do better another time, Monsieur Lecoq," Palot modestly replied.
"I hope so; but I guess your porter won't recognize you to-night, and that is all we want.""And now what must I do?"
"I'll give you your orders; and be very careful not to blunder.
First, hire a carriage, with a good horse; then go to the wine-shop for one of our men, who will accompany you to Monsieur Wilson's house.When you get there ring, enter alone and give the porter this letter, saying that it is of the utmost importance.This done, put yourself with your companion in ambuscade before the house.
If Monsieur Wilson goes out - and he will go out or I am not Lecoq - send your comrade to me at once.As for you, you will follow Monsieur Wilson and not lose sight of him.He will take a carriage, and you will follow him with yours, getting up on the hackman's seat and keeping a lookout from there.Have your eyes open, for he is a rascal who may feel inclined to jump out of his cab and leave you in pursuit of an empty vehicle.""Yes, and the moment I am informed - "
"Silence, please, when I am speaking.He will probably go to the upholsterer's in the Rue des Saints-Peres, but I may be mistaken.
He may order himself to be carried to one of the railway stations, and may take the first train which leaves.In this case, you must get into the same railway carriage that he does, and follow him everywhere he goes; and be sure and send me a despatch as soon as you can.""Very well, Monsieur Lecoq; only if I have to take a train - ""What, haven't you any money?"
"Well - no, my chief."
