William Le Queux

“ The dark-faced Spaniard reflected.
“Well,” he exclaimed at last. “What you have revealed is certainly most interesting.”
“And if you wish to capture Despujol you must lose no time,” I assured him. “Remember, he and his gang have agents everywhere with eyes and ears open. He will soon know of the raid upon his retreat in Montauban.”
“No doubt he will,” agreed my companion. “They will return presently, and then we will arrest him. In the meantime I will call upon the Commissary of Police. Come with me.” ”

“ In a few rapid sentences the tall, elegant French official gave orders, and the secretary retired at once to execute them.
“Despujol is a desperate character. He is always armed, and possesses abnormal strength. He could strangle his strongest opponent,” Rivero remarked.
“I have taken precautions,” replied Monsieur Coulagne, smiling. “I have ordered ten men in plain clothes to go at once unobtrusively to the Hôtel du Luxembourg, and arrest him when he returns.”
“That will frighten De Gex and Moroni,” I said quickly. “And if they are frightened they will escape!” ”

“ Why is he here in Nîmes to consult with De Gex and his friend the Italian, Moroni, if not for purposes of evil? Despujol has made desperate war upon society, and it is De Gex who secretly finances him! Hence he is the servant of the man with money. ”