human
You see, it's all there, said M. Paul.
gpt
His name is Raoul and his wife's name was Margaret. She died in the Charity Bazaar fire, and his stepdaughter Mary is put down as having died there, too. We know where _she_ is.
human
The devil! The devil! The devil! muttered Tignol, his nut-cracker face screwed up in comical perplexity.
gpt
This will rip things wide, _wide_ open.
human
It won't rip anything open.
gpt
But if he is guilty?
human
No one will know it, no one would believe it.
gpt
How can I prove it? The courts are closed against me. And even if they weren't, do you suppose it would be possible to convict the Baron de Heidelmann-Bruck of _any_ crime? Nonsense! He's the most powerful man in France. He controls the banks, the bourse, the government. He can cause a money panic by lifting his hand. He can upset the ministry by a word over the telephone. He financed the campaign that brought in the present radical government, and his sister is the wife of the Prime Minister.
human
Yes.
gpt
Couldn't you tell what you know in the newspapers?
human
No newspaper in France would dare to print it,
gpt
Perhaps there is some mistake, suggested the other,
human
Look at those!
gpt
It's the man we arrested, all right--without the beard.
human
It's the Baron de Heidelmann-Bruck,
gpt
How many millions did you say he has?
human
A thousand--or more.
gpt
A thousand millions! He screwed up his face again and pulled reflectively on his long red nose.
human
And I put the handcuffs on him! Holy camels!
gpt
Aren't you smoking too many of those things? That makes five in ten minutes.
human
What's the difference?
gpt
I see, you're thinking out some plan,
human
Plan for what?
gpt
For putting this thousand-million-franc devil where he belongs,
human
Papa Tignol, that's the prettiest compliment anyone ever paid me. In spite of all I have said you have confidence that I could do this man up--_somehow_, eh?
gpt
Sure!
human
I don't know, I don't know, reflected Coquenil, and a shadow of sadness fell over his pale, weary face.
gpt
Perhaps I could, but--I'm not going to try.
human
You--you're not going to try?
gpt
No, I'm through, I wash my hands of the case. The Baron de Heidelmann-Bruck can sleep easily as far as I am concerned.
human
I don't believe it, he cried.
gpt
I won't have it. You can't tell me Paul Coquenil is afraid. _Are_ you afraid?
human
I don't think so,
gpt
And Paul Coquenil hasn't been bought? He _can't_ be bought--can he?
human
I hope not.
gpt
Then--then what in thunder do you mean, he demanded fiercely,
human
Read that, old friend, he answered with emotion,