Do you really think that I am an idiot?
At any rate, I sometimes hit upon a judicious combination.

For example, with regard to this boy, I have a notion which, if properly worked might lead to something." "Might I ask what it is ?" "I speak confidentially.

If it is impossible to lay our hands upon the real boy, why should we not substitute another ?" At this suggestion, Tantaine started violently.
"It would be most dangerous, most hazardous," gasped he.
"You are afraid, then ?" said Perpignan, delighted at the effect his proposal had made.
"It seems it is you who were afraid," retorted Tantaine.
"You do not know me when you say that," said Perpignan.
"If you were not afraid," asked Tantaine, in his most oily voice, "why did you not carry out your plan ?" "Because there was one obstacle that could not be got over." "Well, I can't see it myself," returned Tantaine, desirous of hearing every detail.
"Ah, there is one thing that I omitted in my narrative.

The Duke informed me that he could prove the identity of the boy by certain scars." "Scars?
And of what kind, pray ?" "Now you are asking me too much.

I do not know." On receiving this reply, Tantaine rose hastily from his chair, and thus concealed his agitation from his companion.
"I have a hundred apologies to make for taking up so much of your valuable time.