Lupin was not there and could not be there. Daubrecq was not in a position to fight. There could be no doubt, therefore, about the result: Prasville would reenter into possession of his letters and, through this very fact, would escape Daubrecq's threats and Lupin's threats and recover all his freedom of action against them.

The train arrived.

In accordance with orders, the stationmaster had issued instructions that no one was to be admitted to the platform. Prasville, therefore, walked on alone, in front of a number of his men, with Chief-inspector Blanchon at their head.

The train drew up.

Prasville almost at once saw Stanislas Vorenglade at the window of a first-class compartment, in the middle of the train.

The ex-deputy alighted and then held out his hand to assist an old gentleman who was travelling with him.

Prasville ran up to him and said, eagerly:

"Vorenglade... I want to speak to you... "

At the same moment, Daubrecq, who had managed to pass the barrier, appeared and exclaimed:

"M. Vorenglade, I have had your letter. I am at your disposal."

Vorenglade looked at the two men, recognized Prasvile, recognized Daubrecq, and smiled:

"Oho, it seems that my return was awaited with some impatience! What's it all about? Certain letters, I expect?"

"Yes... yes..." replied the two men, fussing around him.

"You're too late," he declared.

"Eh? What? What do you mean?"

"I mean that the letters are sold."

"Sold! To whom?"

"To this gentleman," said Vorenglade, pointing to his travelling-companion, "to this gentleman, who thought that the business was worth going out of his way for and who came to Amiens to meet me."

The old gentleman, a very old man wrapped in furs and leaning on his stick, took off his hat and bowed.

"It's Lupin," thought Prasville, "it's Lupin, beyond a doubt."

And he glanced toward the detectives, was nearly calling them, but the old gentleman explained:

"Yes, I thought the letters were good enough to warrant a few hours' railway journey and the cost of two return tickets."

"Two tickets?"

"One for me and the other for one of my friends."

"One of your friends?"

"Yes, he left us a few minutes ago and reached the front part of the train through the corridor. He was in a great hurry."

Prasville understood: Lupin had taken the precaution to bring an accomplice, and the accomplice was carrying off the letters. The game was lost, to a certainty. Lupin had a firm grip on his victim. There was nothing to do but submit and accept the conqueror's conditions.

"Very well, sir," said Prasville. "We shall see each other when, the time comes. Good-bye for the present, Daubrecq: you shall hear from me." And, drawing Vorenglade aside, "As for you, Vorenglade, you are playing a dangerous game."

"Dear me!" said the ex-deputy. "And why?"

The two men moved away.

Daubrecq had not uttered a word and stood motionless, as though rooted to the ground.

The old gentleman went up to him and whispered:

"I say, Daubrecq, wake up, old chap... It's the chloroform, I expect... "