They went out together. As soon as they had disappeared at a turn
in the corridor, two men entered the cell and commenced a minute
examination of it. One was Inspector Dieuzy; the other was
Inspector Folenfant. They wished to verify their suspicion that
Arsene Lupin was in communication with his accomplices outside of
the prison. On the preceding evening, the `Grand Journal' had
published these lines addressed to its court reporter:

"Monsieur:
"In a recent article you referred to me in most unjustifiable
terms. Some days before the opening of my trial I will call you
to account. Arsene Lupin."

The handwriting was certainly that of Arsene Lupin. Consequently,
he sent letters; and, no doubt, received letters. It was certain
that he was preparing for that escape thus arrogantly announced by
him.

The situation had become intolerable. Acting in conjunction with
the examining judge, the chief of the Surete, Mon. Dudouis, had
visited the prison and instructed the gaoler in regard to the
precautions necessary to insure Lupin's safety. At the same time,
he sent the two men to examine the prisoner's cell. They raised
every stone, ransacked the bed, did everything customary in such a
case, but they discovered nothing, and were about to abandon their
investigation when the guard entered hastily and said:

"The drawer....look in the table-drawer. When I entered just now
he was closing it."