The best
thing was to get the treaty back, without a second of delay. As for the
detective, who was perhaps waiting for me at the hotel, he would have to
wait longer, or even go away disgusted--nothing made much difference
now. Maybe, when once I had the treaty in my hands, I might send a
messenger with a few cautious words to Maxine. No matter how late the
hour, she was certain not to be asleep.
The cab I had seen crawling through the street had disappeared long ago,
and no other was in sight, so I walked quickly on, hoping to find one
presently. It was now so late, however, that in this quiet part of Paris
no carriages of any sort were plying for hire. Finally I made up my mind
that I should have to go all the way on foot; but I knew the direction
of the Avenue Morot, though I'd never heard of Rue de la Fille Sauvage,
and as it was not more than two miles to walk, I could reach the house I
wanted to find in half an hour.
A few minutes more or less ought not to matter much, since "J. M." was
sure to be awaiting me with impatience; therefore the thing which
bothered me most was the effect likely to be produced on the man when I
could not hand him over the diamonds in exchange for the treaty.
Pages:
178
179
180
181
182
183
184
185
186
187
188
189
190
191
192
193
194
195
196
197
198
199
200
201
202