"Let me think," said Germaine, knitting her brow.

"Can't you remember?" said M. Formery.

"Just about three years," said Germaine.

"That's exactly the time at which the thefts began," said M.
Formery.

"Yes," said Germaine, reluctantly.

"Ask Mademoiselle Kritchnoff to come here, inspector," said M.
Formery.

"Yes, sir," said the inspector.

"I'll go and fetch her--I know where to find her," said the Duke
quickly, moving toward the door.

"Please, please, your Grace," protested Guerchard. "The inspector
will fetch her."

The Duke turned sharply and looked at him: "I beg your pardon, but
do you--" he said.

"Please don't be annoyed, your Grace," Guerchard interrupted. "But
M. Formery agrees with me--it would be quite irregular."

"Yes, yes, your Grace," said M. Formery. "We have our method of
procedure. It is best to adhere to it--much the best. It is the