She came out so enveloped in furs and veils as to be unrecognizable,
and a Hindu wearing a chauffeur's uniform opened the door of the car
for her, and then, having arranged the rugs to her satisfaction,
mounted to the wheel and drove away.

I traced the car. It had been hired for the purpose of taking Zara
el-Khala from her hotel--to the theatre and home nightly. I sent a
man to call upon her at the hotel--in order to obtain press material,
ostensibly. She declined to see him. I became really interested. I
sent her a choice bouquet, having the card of a nobleman attached to
it, together with a message of respectful admiration. It was returned.
I prevailed upon one of the most handsome and gallant cavalry officers
in Paris to endeavour to make her acquaintance. He was rebuffed.

_Eh bien!_ I knew then that Mlle. Zara of the Desert was unusual.

You will at once perceive that when I heard from the worthy Casimir
how this unapproachable lady had actually written to the Grand Duke
Ivan and had gone so far as to send him her photograph, I became
excited. It appeared to me that I found myself upon the brink of an
important discovery. I set six of my first-class men at work: three
being detailed to watch the hotel of the Grand Duke Ivan and three to
watch Zara el-Khala. Two more were employed in watching the Hindu
servant and one in watching my good friend Casimir. Thus, nine clever
men and myself were immediately engaged upon the case.

Why do I speak of a "case" when thus far nothing of apparent
importance had occurred? I will explain. Although the Grand Duke
travelled incognito, his Government knew of the journey and wished to