"Well, all I can say is, it was very stupid of you not to look at
the date," said Germaine.

M. Gournay-Martin rose to his feet and wailed, in the most
heartrending fashion: "My pictures! My wonderful pictures! Such
investments! And my cabinets! My Renaissance cabinets! They can't be
replaced! They were unique! They were worth a hundred and fifty
thousand francs."

M. Formery stepped forward with an air and said, "I am distressed,
M. Gournay-Martin--truly distressed by your loss. I am M. Formery,
examining magistrate."

"It is a tragedy, M. Formery--a tragedy!" groaned the millionaire.

"Do not let it upset you too much. We shall find your masterpieces--
we shall find them. Only give us time," said M. Formery in a tone of
warm encouragement.

The face of the millionaire brightened a little.

"And, after all, you have the consolation, that the burglars did not
get hold of the gem of your collection. They have not stolen the
coronet of the Princesse de Lambalie," said M. Formery.

"No," said the Duke. "They have not touched this safe. It is
unopened."

"What has that got to do with it?" growled the millionaire quickly.