You have acted with admirable tact and judgment, and have rendered
us invaluable assistance. Have you anything further to tell us?"

"No, gentlemen. That is all. And you--you have no more questions
to ask? Then I presume I may withdraw?"

Beyond doubt it had been reserved for the last witness to produce
facts that constituted the very essence of the inquiry.


CHAPTER XIII

The examination was now over, and, the dispositions having been
drawn up and signed, the investigating officials remained for some
time in conference.

"It lies with those three, of course--the two women and the
Italian. They are jointly, conjointly concerned, although the
exact degrees of guilt cannot quite be apportioned," said the
detective.

"And all three are at large!" added the Judge.

"If you will issue warrants for arrest, M. le Juge, we can take
them--two of them at any rate--when we choose."

"That should be at once," remarked the Commissary, eager, as
usual, for decisive action.

"Very well. Let us proceed in that way. Prepare the warrants," said