You had it--now I have it--wherefore it must be mine!" Chauvenet's rigid figure suddenly relaxed; he leaned against a chair with a return of his habitual nonchalant air, and waved his hand carelessly.
"Between gentlemen--so small a matter!" "To be sure--the merest trifle," laughed Armitage with entire good humor.
"And where a gentleman has the predatory habits of a burglar and housebreaker--" "Then lesser affairs, such as picking up trinkets--" "Come naturally--quite so!" and Chauvenet twisted his mustache with an air of immense satisfaction.
"But the genial art of assassination--there's a business that requires a calculating hand, my dear Monsieur Chauvenet!" Chauvenet's hand went again to his lip.
"To be sure!" he ejaculated with zest.
"But alone--alone one can do little.

For larger operations one requires--I should say--courageous associates.

Now in my affairs--would you believe me ?--I am obliged to manage quite alone." "How melancholy!" exclaimed Chauvenet.
"It is indeed very sad!" and Armitage sighed, tossed his cigarette into the smoldering grate and bade Chauvenet a ceremonious good night.
"Ah, we shall meet again, I dare say!" "The thought does credit to a generous nature!" responded Armitage, and passed out into the house..