As Frederic Larsan entered the vestibule with the railway employed, Rouletabille and I at once recognised him by the small blond beard.

We exchanged meaningful glances.

Larsan had himself announced to the examining magistrate by the gendarme and entered with the railway servant as Daddy Jacques came out.
Some ten minutes went by during which Rouletabille appeared extremely impatient.

The door of the drawing-room was then opened and we heard the magistrate calling to the gendarme who entered.

Presently he came out, mounted the stairs and, coming back shortly, went in to the magistrate and said: "Monsieur,--Monsieur Robert Darzac will not come!" "What! Not come!" cried Monsieur de Marquet.
"He says he cannot leave Mademoiselle Stangerson in her present state." "Very well," said Monsieur de Marquet; "then we'll go to him." Monsieur de Marquet and the gendarme mounted the stairs.