I believe she is, for if what I fear is true every moment is of value."

He plucked the Englishman by the sleeve, and hurried him out into the
grateful darkness.

"Get into the carriage," he said, imperiously. "I will see to
everything."

Chester heard him direct the driver to the police-station. "We may need
two or three gendarmes," muttered Count Paul. "It's worth the three
minutes delay."

The carriage drew up before a shabby little house across which was
painted in large black letters the word "Gendarmerie."

The Count rushed into the guard-room, hurriedly explained his errand to
the superintendent, and came out, but a moment later, with three men.

"We must make room for these good fellows somehow," he said briefly, and
room was made. Chester noticed with surprise that each man was armed, not
only with a stave, but with a revolver. The French police do not stand on
ceremony even with potential criminals.

"And now," said the Count to the coachman, "five louis, my friend, if you
can get us to the Châlet des Muguets in seven minutes--"

They began driving at a breakneck pace, the driver whipping up his horse,
lashing it in a way that horrified Chester. The light little carriage
rocked from side to side.