ALL the world knows the exploits of Arsène Lupin, man of mystery, adventurer, and private detective—when it suits him! But of Lupin’s own personality not so much is known. He is obviously a man of infinite ingenuity; of iron will and determination; of irresponsible gaiety and imperturbable good-humour. He has a genuine fondness for poetic justice, as opposed to the brand represented by the Paris police force. He is whimsical, ironical, curiously detached—in fact, that’s half the secret of his success, that he never allows his life to be linked with the lives of other people. He is always the free-lance, playing a lone hand, trusting no one, relying solely on his own wits to extricate himself from the most perilous situation. For other people, including the public who delight to read of his
