He asked several intelligent questions, very much to the
point, and I answered them--as seemed best. When he touched on points
which I considered too delicate to be handled by a stranger, even a
detective in my employ, I frankly replied that they had nothing to do
with the case in hand. Shrugging his shoulders almost imperceptibly, yet
expressively, he took my refusals without comment; and merely bowed when
I said that, if the scoundrel could be unearthed within twenty-four
hours, I would pay a hundred pounds: if within twelve, a hundred and
fifty: if within six, two hundred. I added that there was not a second
to waste, as the fellow might slip out of Paris at any minute; but
whatever happened, Monsieur Girard was to keep the matter quiet.
The detective promised to do his best, (which was said to be very good),
held out hopes of success, and assured me of his discretion. On the
whole, I was pleased with him. He looked like a man who thoroughly knew
his business; and had it not been for the solemn warning of the Foreign
Secretary, and the risk for Maxine, I would gladly have put more
efficient weapons in Girard's hands, by telling him everything.
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