"They have even left this card-table on the window-sill," said the
policeman; and he patted the card-table with his other powerful
hand.

"Thank you, thank you," said Guerchard.

"They don't think it's Lupin's work at all," said the policeman.
"They think that Lupin's letter announcing the burglary and these
signatures on the walls are only a ruse."

"Is that so?" said Guerchard.

"Is there any way I can help you, sir?" said policeman.

"Yes," said Guerchard. "Take up your post outside that door and
admit no one but M. Formery, the inspector, Bonavent, or Dieusy,
without consulting me." And he pointed to the drawing-room door.

"Shan't I admit the Duke of Charmerace? He's taking a great interest
in this affair," said the policeman.

"The Duke of Charmerace? Oh, yes--admit the Duke of Charmerace,"
said Guerchard.

The policeman went to his post of responsibility, a proud man.

Hardly had the door closed behind him when Guerchard was all
activity--activity and eyes. He examined the ladder, the gaps on the
wall from which the pictures had been taken, the signatures of
Arsene Lupin. The very next thing he did was to pick up the book