They stared at him and the sleeping woman.

"Lend a hand, inspector," he said. "And you too, Bonavent. She looks
a good weight."

The three of them raised the mattress, and carried it and the
sleeping woman to a broad couch, and laid them on it. They staggered
under their burden, for truly Victoire was a good weight.

M. Formery rose, with recovered breath, but with his face an even
richer purple. His eyes were rolling in his head, as if they were
not under proper control.

He turned on the inspector and cried savagely, "You never examined
the fireplace, inspector!"

"No, sir," said the downcast inspector.

"It was unpardonable--absolutely unpardonable!" cried M. Formery.
"How is one to work with subordinates like this?"

"It was an oversight," said Guerchard.

M. Formery turned to him and said, "You must admit that it was
materially impossible for me to see her."

"It was possible if you went down on all fours," said Guerchard.

"On all fours?" said M. Formery.