Part 16 (1/2)

”Further, you told this fellow that you had a plan to capture the scoundrels. You are to acquaint him with that plan, tomorrow afternoon.

If you do so, he will no doubt get to the telephone on some pretext and warn his comrades of what you intend to do. I strongly recommend that you put no faith in the fellow whatever.”

”Still, you would advise trying to locate the house, as he suggests?”

”Yes, we may be wrong about him. We must leave no stone unturned. And now we come to your interview with Mr. Stapleton. You gave him the message, of course. What did he say?”

”He said that he intended to carry out the instructions I gave him to the letter--pay these fellows their money, and get back the boy.”

Monsieur Lefevre uttered an exclamation of anger. ”Sacre! He must not do that! The stupid fellow! He will spoil everything!”

Grace laughed quietly to herself. ”Hardly stupid, Monsieur! The poor man is half mad over the boy's loss. He will do anything, to get him back. I can scarcely blame him.”

The Prefect held out his hand. ”I beg your pardon, my child. You are right. It is perhaps but natural for him to feel as he does. But there are other things at stake, than the recovery of the child. For Monsieur Stapleton to pay over this huge sum to these criminals, and then to allow them to escape, is not only a grave reflection upon the efficiency of the Paris police, but is an injustice to the public as well. If these men are successful in this attempt, they will make others. Other children will be stolen. I cannot permit it. It must be prevented at all costs. These men must be brought to justice.”

”How can you prevent it, Monsieur? Mr. Stapleton is determined.”

”That, my child, is the question. I cannot stop Monsieur Stapleton if he wishes to drive out the road to Versailles and toss a hundred thousand dollars into the first automobile that pa.s.ses him, showing a blue light.” He rose and began to walk up and down the room.

”I have a plan, Monsieur,” said Grace, quietly.

”What is it, my child?” The Prefect regarded her with an indulgent smile. He was very fond of Grace. He regretted that he had been unable to secure the services of her husband in this case. He knew, from past experience, her cleverness; but he did not believe that in a matter of this sort she would be able to outwit men who were probably among the shrewdest criminals in Paris.

”First,” said Grace, ”we will have the location pointed out to us by Valentin thoroughly searched.”

”a.s.suredly! It will, however, probably result in nothing. Even if Valentin is telling the truth, these fellows will beyond question have moved the child before now to prepare for the work of tomorrow evening.”

”Possibly. At any rate, we will try. After that, I shall want Valentin to drive a motor car for me. He is an accomplished chauffeur.”

”You will take him into your confidence, then?” asked the Prefect, in some alarm.

”No. I shall tell him nothing, except that he is to drive the car, and where.”

”Very well. But be careful. What next?”

Grace leaned over and spoke to the Prefect in low tones for several minutes. He listened to what she said, occasionally smiling, and nodding his head. Presently he brought his hand down sharply upon the table.

”Bravo!” he exclaimed. ”You were born to be a detective. We will get the kidnappers, the money, and in all probability the child as well. I congratulate you!”

”You think it will work, then?”

”I do not see how it can fail. It is an inspiration. I shall certainly feel very well satisfied indeed, if I can return to Monsieur Stapleton both his child and his money, and at the same time place the kidnappers behind the bars. I could never permit it to be said that the police of Paris would knowingly allow a desperate band of criminals to get away with half a million of francs without lilting a hand to prevent it.” He rose and glanced at his watch. ”Come, my child. It is after midnight.

You have had a long and exciting day. You had better get some rest.”

Grace rose. ”Richard seemed awfully puzzled when he saw me.”

”Did he?” The Prefect laughed mischievously. ”Really it is a great joke upon him. To be within a step of his own wife, and not to know her!”

Grace seemed scarcely to appreciate the humor of the situation. ”I think it's a shame,” she said, ”Poor Richard. He'll never forgive me. I really think I ought to tell him.”