Fanferlot was transported with delight at this compliment.

“What must I do now, patron?” he inquired.

“Nothing difficult for an adroit man:  but remember, upon the precision of our movements depends the success of my plan.  Before arresting Lagors, I wish to dispose of Clameran.  Now that the rascals are separated, the first thing to do is to prevent their coming together.”

“I understand,” said Fanferlot, snapping his little rat-like eyes; “I am to create a diversion.”

“Exactly.  Go out by the Rue de la Huchette, and hasten to St. Michel’s bridge; loaf along the bank, and finally sit on the steps of the quay, so that Clameran may know he is being watched.  If he doesn’t see you, do something to attract his attention.”

“Parbleu!  I will throw a stone into the water,” said Fanferlot, rubbing his hands with delight at his own brilliant idea.

“As soon as Clameran has seen you,” continued M. Verduret, “he will be alarmed, and instantly decamp.  Knowing there are reasons why the police should be after him, he will hasten to escape you; then comes the time for you to keep wide awake; he is a slippery eel, and cunning as a rat.”

“I know all that; I was not born yesterday.”

“So much the better.  You can convince him of that.  Well, knowing you are at his heels, he will not dare to return to the Hotel du Louvre, for fear of being called on by troublesome visitors.  Now, it is very important that he should not return to the hotel.”

“But suppose he does?” said Fanferlot.

M. Verduret thought for a minute, and then said: 

“It is not probable that he will do so; but if he should, you must wait until he comes out again, and continue to follow him.  But he won’t enter the hotel; very likely he will take the cars:  but in that event don’t lose sight of him, no matter if you have to follow him to Siberia.  Have you money with you?”

“I will get some from Mme. Alexandre.”

“Very good.  Ah! one more word.  If the rascal takes the cars, send me word.  If he beats about the bush until night, be on your guard, especially in lonely places; the desperado is capable of any enormity.”

“If necessary, must I fire?”

“Don’t be rash; but, if he attacks you, of course defend yourself.  Come, ’tis time you were gone.”

Dubois-Fanferlot went out.  Verduret and Prosper resumed their post of observation.

“Why all this secrecy?” inquired Prosper.  “Clameran is charged with ten times worse crimes than I was ever accused of, and yet my disgrace was made as public as possible.”

“Don’t you understand,” replied the fat man, “that I wish to separate the cause of Raoul from that of the marquis?  But, sh! look!”

Clameran had left his place near the orange-woman’s stand, and approached the bridge, where he seemed to be trying to make out some unexpected object.