William Le Queux

“ Did she go to see Despujol?”
“No,” I replied. “She didn’t see him, but went straight home.”
“You have not ventured near Despujol, I hope?”
“No. I have hardly ventured into the town.”
“Good. Well, we shall make a double arrest,” he went on. “When the train arrived at the junction at Montlucon at midnight Sanz, evidently fearing lest he was followed, slipped out of the train and into another on the opposite side of the platform. It is a favourite dodge of elusive persons of his type. So, unseen by him, I also joined the train, and we travelled across to Lyons. ”

“ The Lyons police know me very well, so two agents were at once detailed for that duty, and I immediately made my way back here. It seems that Sanz is also wanted in France for a motor-car exploit outside Orleans. Therefore our discovery is indeed a lucky one!”
“Will Sanz be arrested?” I asked.
“Yes. I have already reported by telegram to Señor Andrade in Madrid. He will at once ask them in Paris to order the arrest.”
“And Despujol?”
“We have now to await his journey to Nîmes to keep this mysterious appointment with your friend.”
“Not my friend,” I remarked, “rather with my bitterest enemy!” ”

“ Next second he had left me and a few moments later hurried back. He had bought a ticket.
“Sanz does not know me. As soon as we’ve left the station and are away from Mademoiselle I shall be all right. Remain here. I will wire you, and in any case we shall be together in Nîmes on Monday. But be careful not to be seen by Despujol. He is a wary bird, remember!”
Then, unseen by Mademoiselle, he entered a first-class compartment of the train, just as the signal was given to start. ”