To Mademoiselle Goujet's great astonishment and Corentin's disappointment, Laurence's room was empty.

Certain that no one could have escaped from the park or the chateau, for all the issues were guarded, Corentin stationed a gendarme in every room and ordered others to search the farm buildings, stables, and sheds.

Then he returned to the salon, where Durieu and his wife and the other servants had rushed in the wildest excitement.

Peyrade was studying their faces with his little blue eye, cold and calm in the midst of the uproar.

Just as Corentin reappeared alone (Mademoiselle Goujet remaining behind to take care of Madame d'Hauteserre) the tramp of horses was heard, and presently the sound of a child's weeping.