The little details, such as the footprints, the absence of any mud from the girl's shoes in the carriage of the motor-car, the dinner at Annecy, the purchase of the cord, the want of any sign of a struggle in the little salon, were all carefully thought out.

Had not one little accident happened, and one little mistake been made in consequence, I doubt if we should have laid our hands upon one of the gang.

We might have suspected Wethermill; we should hardly have secured him, and we should very likely never have known of the Tace family.

That mistake was, as you no doubt are fully aware--" "The failure of Wethermill to discover Mme.

Dauvray's jewels," said Ricardo at once.
"No, my friend," answered Hanaud.