Inform the police of the fact and
let them draw their own conclusions: before evening all France will
know that Andre Duchemin is suspected of stealing the Montalais jewels,
and is a fugitive from justice."
"No, monsieur," the woman iterated decidedly.
"You will observe," he continued, lightly persuasive, "it is Andre
Duchemin who will be accused, madame, not Michael Lanyard, never the
Lone Wolf! The heart of man is in truth a dark forest, and vanity the
only light to guide us through its mazes. I confess I am jealous of my
reputation as a reformed character. But Andre Duchemin is merely a
name, a nom de guerre; you may saddle him with all the crimes in the
calendar if you like, and welcome. For when I say he will disappear
to-night, I mean it quite literally: Andre Duchemin will nevermore be
heard of in this world."
She had a smile quivering on her lips, yet shook her head.
"Monsieur forgets I learned to know him under the name of Duchemin."
"Ah, madame! do not make me think too kindly of the poor fellow; for
whether we like it or not, he is doomed. And if madame, in her charity,
means to continue to know me, it must be Michael Lanyard whom she
suffers to claim a little portion of her friendship.
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