The gendarmes pulled open the beds; Peyrade, with the quick perception of a spy, handled and sounded everything.

Such desecration excited both fear and indignation among the faithful servants of the house, who still stood motionless about the salon.

Monsieur d'Hauteserre exchanged looks of commiseration with his wife and Mademoiselle Goujet.

A species of horrible curiosity kept every one on the qui vive.

Peyrade at length came down, holding in his hand a sandal-wood box which had probably been brought from China by Admiral de Simeuse.