The Broker took two revolvers from his pocket. He tested the triggers and changed the cartridges, whistling a music-hall tune as he did so.
An hour elapsed in this way. Lupin was beginning to grow restless, without, however, making up his mind to go.
More minutes passed, half an hour, an hour. . . .
At last, the man said aloud:
"Come in."
One of the scoundrels slipped into the shed; and, one after the other, a third arrived and a fourth. . . .
"We are all here," said the Broker. "Dieudonne and Chubby will meet us down there. Come, we've no time to lose. . . . Are you armed?"
"To the teeth."
"That's all right. It'll be hot work."
"How do you know, Broker?"
"I've seen the chief. . . . When I say that I've seen him, no . . . but he spoke to me. . . ."
"Yes," said one of the men, "i
