the Judge, turning to his clerk. "And you," he went on, addressing
M. Floçon, "dear colleague, will you see to their execution? Madame
is at the Hôtel Madagascar; that will be easy. The Italian Ripaldi
we shall hear of through your inspector Block. As for the maid,
Hortense Petitpré, we must search for her. That too, sir, you will
of course undertake?"

"I will charge myself with it, certainly. My man should be here by
now, and I will instruct him at once. Ask for him," said M. Floçon
to the guard whom he called in.

"The inspector is there," said the guard, pointing to the outer
room. "He has just returned."

"Returned? You mean arrived."

"No, monsieur, returned. It is Block, who left an hour or more
ago."

"Block? Then something has happened--he has some special
information, some great news! Shall we see him, M. le Juge?"

When Block appeared, it was evident that something had gone wrong
with him. His face wore a look of hot, flurried excitement, and
his manner was one of abject, cringing self-abasement.

"What is it?" asked the little Chief, sharply. "You are alone.
Where is your man?"

"Alas, monsieur! how shall I tell you? He has gone--disappeared! I