Although he had resolved to reserve to himself all the difficulties as well as the benefits of this inquiry, Fanferlot saw clearly that he could not conceal the existence of Mme. Nina from the judge of instruction.  She would necessarily be brought into the case, and sought for.  But he did not wish her to take any steps of her own accord.  He proposed to have her appear when and how he judged proper, so that he might gain for himself the merit of having discovered her.

His first step was to endeavor to calm the young woman’s excitement.  He thought it easy to prove to her that the least interference in favor of Prosper would be a piece of folly.

“What will you gain by acting thus, my dear madame?” he asked.  “Nothing.  I can assure you that you have not the least chance of success.  Remember that you will seriously compromise yourself.  Who knows if you will not be suspected as M. Bertomy’s accomplice?”

But this alarming perspective, which had frightened Cavaillon into foolishly giving up a letter which he might so easily have retained, only stimulated Gypsy’s enthusiasm.  Man calculates, while woman follows the inspirations of her heart.  Our most devoted friend, if a man, hesitates and draws back:  if a woman, rushes undauntedly forward, regardless of the danger.

“What matters the risk?” she exclaimed.  “I don’t believe any danger exists; but, if it does, so much the better:  it will be all the more to my credit.  I am sure Prosper is innocent; but, if he should be guilty, I wish to share the punishment which awaits him.”

Mme. Gypsy’s persistence was becoming alarming.  She hastily drew around her a cashmere shawl, and, putting on her hat, declared that she was ready to walk from one end of Paris to the other, in search of the judge.

“Come, monsieur,” she said with feverish impatience.  “Are you not coming with me?”

Fanferlot was perplexed.  Happily he always had several strings to his bow.

Personal considerations having no hold upon this impulsive nature, he resolved to appeal to her interest in Prosper.

“I am at your command, fair lady,” he said; “let us go if you desire it; only permit me, while there is yet time, to say that we are very probably going to do great injury to M. Bertomy.”

“In what way, if you please?”

“Because we are taking a step that he expressly forbade in his letter; we are surprising him—­giving him no warning.”

Nina scornfully tossed her head, and replied: 

“There are some people who must be saved without warning, and against their will.  I know Prosper:  he is just the man to let himself be murdered without a struggle, without speaking a word—­to give himself up through sheer recklessness and despair.”

“Excuse me, madame,” interrupted the detective:  “M.  Bertomy has by no means the appearance of a man who has given up in despair.  On the contrary, I think he has already laid his plan of defence.  By showing yourself, when he advised you to remain in concealment, you will be very likely to make vain his most careful precautions.”