his mind and body were in suspension.

"M. Formery and the inspector have just been up to examine the
housekeeper's room. It's right at the top of the house--on the
second floor. You take the servants' staircase. Then it's right at
the end of the passage on the left. Would you like me to take you up
to it, sir?" said the policeman eagerly. His heart was in his work.

"Thank you, I know where it is--I've just come from it," said
Guerchard gently.

A grin of admiration widened the already wide mouth of the
policeman, and showed a row of very white, able-looking teeth.

"Ah, M. Guerchard!" he said, "you're cleverer than all the examining
magistrates in Paris put together!"

"You ought not to say that, my good fellow. I can't prevent you
thinking it, of course; but you ought not to say it," said Guerchard
with husky gentleness; and the faintest smile played round the
corners of his mouth.

He walked slowly to the window, and the policeman walked with him.

"Have you noticed this, sir?" said the policeman, taking hold of the
top of the ladder with a powerful hand. "It's probable that the
burglars came in and went away by this ladder."

"Thank you," said Guerchard.