returning would she take up the missive."

"And what became of it, then?" asked the detective in breathless
excitement. "I have it here." M. Devaux opened the palm of his
hand and displayed the scrap of paper in the hollow rolled up into
a small tight ball.

"When and how did you become possessed of it?"

"I got it only just now, when I was called in here. Before that I
could not move. I was tied to my chair, practically, and ordered
strictly not to move."

"Perfectly. Monsieur's conduct has been admirable. And now tell
us--what does it contain? Have you looked at it?"

"By no means. It is just as I picked it up. Will you gentlemen
take it, and if you think fit, tell me what is there? Some
writing--a message of some sort, or I am greatly mistaken."

"Yes, here are words written in pencil," said the detective,
unrolling the paper, which he handed on to the Judge, who read the
contents aloud--

"Be careful. Say nothing. If you betray me, you will be lost too."

A long silence followed, broken first by the Judge, who said at
last solemnly to Devaux:

"Monsieur, in the name of justice I beg to thank you most warmly.