The Duke shook hands with Guerchard, saying, "I'm delighted to make
your acquaintance, M. Guerchard. I've been expecting your coming
with the greatest interest. Indeed it was I who begged the officials
at the Prefecture of Police to put this case in your hands. I
insisted on it."

"What were you doing on that ladder?" said M. Formery, giving
Guerchard no time to reply to the Duke.

"I was listening," said Guerchard simply--"listening. I like to hear
people talk when I'm engaged on a case. It's a distraction--and it
helps. I really must congratulate you, my dear M. Formery, on the
admirable manner in which you have conducted this inquiry."

M. Formery bowed, and regarded him with a touch of suspicion.

"There are one or two minor points on which we do not agree, but on
the whole your method has been admirable," said Guerchard.

"Well, about Victoire," said M. Formery. "You're quite sure that an
examination, a more thorough examination, of her room, is
unnecessary?"

"Yes, I think so," said Guerchard. "I have just looked at it
myself."

The door opened, and in came Bonavent, one of the detectives who had
come earlier from the Prefecture. In his hand he carried a scrap of
cloth.