as to warrant--a conclusion."

"Oh, but this is becoming very curious and I shall get to know
something at last! For I confess, to my great confusion, that I know
nothing."

"That is because you have not had time to reflect, Monsieur le Juge
d'Instruction. The great thing is to reflect. Facts very seldom fail
to carry their own explanation!"

"And, according to you, the facts which we have just ascertained
carry their own explanation?"

"Don't you think so yourself? In any case, I have ascertained none
besides those which are set down in the official report."

"Good! So that, if I were to ask you which were the objects stolen
from this room--"

"I should answer that I know."

"Bravo! My gentleman knows more about it than the owner himself. M.
de Gesvres has everything accounted for: M. Isidore Beautrelet has
not. He misses a bookcase in three sections and a life-size statue
which nobody ever noticed. And, if I asked you the name of the
murderer?"

"I should again answer that I know it."

All present gave a start. The deputy and the journalist drew nearer.