But the police could do nothing for the Duke.

They heard what he had to say gravely, took notes, told him to call again later on, and there was an end to their proceedings.

It can easily be understood that the rank and position of the Duke prevented him from making his name known in his inquiries; and as he dared not divulge the whole truth, he gave such a bald version of the case, that it excited no deep feelings of interest.
At last he was sent to a certain M.Lecoq." To Paul's utter astonishment, the name produced a sudden and terrible effect upon Doctor Hortebise, who started to his feet as if propelled from his chair by the unexpected application of some hidden motive power, and, fingering the locket that hung from his chain, gazed round upon his associates with wild and excited eyes.
"Stop!" cried he.

"If that fellow Lecoq is to put his nose into your case, I withdraw; I will have nothing to do with it, for it is certain to be a failure." He appeared to be so thoroughly frightened, that Catenac condescended to smile.
"Yes, yes," said he, "I can understand your alarm; but be at ease; Lecoq has nothing to do with us." But Hortebise was not satisfied with Catenac's assurance, and looked for confirmation from Mascarin.
"Lecoq has nothing to do with us," repeated his friend.

"The fool said that his position prevented him from giving his time to any investigation of a private nature, which, by the way, is quite true.
The Duke offered him a heavy sum to throw up his appointment, but he refused, saying he did not work for money, but from love for his profession." "Which is quite true," interrupted Catenac.
"However," continued Mascarin, "to cut short my narrative, the Duke, on the refusal of Lecoq to act, applied to Catenac." "Yes," answered the lawyer, "and the Duke has placed the conduct of the search in my hands." "Have you formed any plan of action ?" "Not at present.