human
Then the gist of it is, he resumed uneasily,
gpt
Don't you?
human
Why--er--
gpt
Look at the facts again. Some one wants me off the detective force, out of France. Why? There can be only one reason--because I have been successful in unraveling intricate crimes, more successful than other men on the force. Is that saying too much?
human
It's conceded that you are the most skillful detective in France; but you're off the force already. So why should this person send you to Brazil?
gpt
I've considered that. It is because this crime will be of so startling and unusual a character that it _must_ attract my attention if I am here. And if it attracts my attention as a great criminal problem, it is certain that I will try to solve it, whether on the force or off it.
human
Well answered! approved the other; he was coming gradually under the spell of Coquenil's conviction.
gpt
And when--when do you think this crime may be committed?
human
Who can say? There must be great urgency to account for their insisting that I sail to-morrow. Ah, you didn't know that? Yes, even now, at this very moment, I am supposed to be on the steamer train, for the boat goes out early in the morning _before the Paris papers can reach Cherbourg_.
gpt
What! he cried.
human
You mean that--that possibly--to-_night?_