"Come, do you mean to say that you know where she is?" cried M.
Formery.

"Certainly," said Guerchard.

"Do you mean to tell us straight out that you've seen her?" cried M.
Formery.

"Oh, yes; I've seen her," said Guerchard.

"You've seen her--when?" cried M. Formery.

Guerchard paused to consider. Then he said gently:

"It must have been between four and five minutes ago."

"But hang it all, you haven't been out of this room!" cried M.
Formery.

"No, I haven't," said Guerchard.

"And you've seen her?" cried M. Formery.

"Yes," said Guerchard, raising his voice a little.

"Well, why the devil don't you tell us where she is? Tell us!" cried
M. Formery, purple with exasperation.

"But you won't let me get a word out of my mouth," protested
Guerchard with aggravating gentleness.