who went for me knew little about it."

M. Courtois recounted at length what his investigation had
discovered, not forgetting the minutest detail, dwelling especially
on the excellent precautions which he had had the sagacity to take.
He told how the conduct of the Bertauds had at first awakened his
suspicions; how he had detected them, at least in a pointblank lie;
how, finally, he had determined to arrest them. He spoke standing,
his head thrown back, with wordy emphasis. The pleasure of
speaking partially rewarded him for his recent distress.

"And now," he concluded, "I have just ordered the most exact search,
so that doubtless we shall find the count's body. Five men,
detailed by me, and all the people of the house, are searching the
park. If their efforts are not crowned with success, I have here
some fishermen who will drag the river."

M. Domini held his tongue, only nodding his head from time to time,
as a sign of approbation. He was studying, weighing the details
told him, building up in his mind a plan of proceeding.

"You have acted wisely," said he, at last. "The misfortune is a
great one, but I agree with you that we are on the track of the
criminals. These poachers, or the gardener who has disappeared,
have something, perhaps, to do with this abominable crime."

Already, for some minutes, M. Plantat had rather awkwardly concealed
some signs of impatience.

"The misfortune is," said he, "that if Guespin is guilty, he will