CHAPTER XIV 135

The Place de la Concorde, the Louvre... In the distance, the dark bulk of Notre Dame... "J He turned round and half opened the
door:

"Having a good time, mates? So am I, thank you. It's a grand night for a drive and the air's delicious!."

They were now bum ping over the il-paved quays. And soon they arrived at the Palais de Justice and the door of the
detective-office.

"Wait here,' said Lupin to the two drivers, 'and be sure you look after your seven fares."

He crossed the outer yard and went down the passage on the right leading to the rooms of the central office. He found the night
inspectors on duty.

"A bag, gentlemen, he said, as he entered, 'a a fine bag too. Is M. Weber here? I am the new commissary of police for Auteuil."

"M. Weber is in his flat. Do you want him sent for?""Just one second. I'm in a hurry. I'll leave a line for him."

He sat down at a table and wrote:

"My Dear Weber,

"I am bringing you the seven scoundrels composing Altenheim 's gang, the men who killed Gourel (and plenty of othes) and who
killed me as well, under the name of M. Lenormand.

"That only leaves their leader unaccounted for. I am going to effect his arrest this minute. Come and join me. He lives in the Rue
Delaizement, at Neuilly and goes by the name of Leon Massier. "Kind regards.

"Yours,

"Arséne Lupin, "Chief of the Detective-service."

He sealed the letter:

"Give that to M. Weber. It's urgent. Now I want seven men to receive the goods. I left them on the quay."

On going back to the taxis, he was met by a chief inspector:

"Ah, it's you M. Leboeuf!" he said. "I've made a fine haul... The whole of Altenheim's gang... They're there in the taxi-cabs."

"Where did you find them ?

"Hard at work kidnapping Mrs. Kesselbach and robbing her house. But I'll tell you ah1 about it when the time comes."

The chief inspector took him aside and, with the air of surprise:

"I beg your pardon, monsieur, but I was sent for to see the commissary of police for Auteuil. And I don't seem to... Whom have I
the honor of addressing?"

"Somebody who is making you a handsome present of seven hooligans of the finest quality."

"Still. I should like to know..."

"My name?"

"Yes.'
"Arséne Lupin.

He nimbly tripped the chief inspector up, ran to the Rue de Rivoli, jumped into a passing tax-cab and drove to the Porte des
Ternes.

The Route de la Revoke was close by. He went to No. 3.

For all his coolness and self-command, Arséne Lupin was unable to control his excitement. Would he find Dolbres Kesselbach ?
Had Louis de Malreich taken her either to his Own place or to the Broker's shed?
Lupin had taken the key of the shed from the Broker, so that it was easy for him, after ringing and walking across the different
yards, to open the door and enter the lumber-shop.

He switched on his lantern and took his bearings. A little to the right was the free space in which he had seen the accomplices
hold their last confabulation. On the sofa mentioned by the Broker he saw a black fiqure, Dokores lay wrapped in blankets and
Gagged.

He helped her up.

'Ah, it's you, it's you!' she stammered. 'They haven't touched you!"

And, rising and pointing to the back of the shop:

"There... he went out that side... I head him... I am sure... You must go... please!"

"I must get you away first," he said.

"No, never mind me... go after him.. I entreat you.. Strike him!