The mere fact that I had asked to be allowed to take part in the affair, had aroused the jealousy of the detectives of the department, and I was aware that they would receive the news of my failure with unqualified satisfaction.

I therefore prosecuted my inquiries in every possible direction, sparing myself neither labour nor pains.

It would appear that the victim, an old man, was without kith or kin.

He was very poor, and lived by himself in a small villa on the outskirts of the city.

No one had been seen near the house on the night in question, nor had any noise been heard by the neighbours.