Perrichet advanced in his mufti to the table.
"Speak, my friend," said Hanaud.
"I went to the shop of M. Corval. Mlle. Celie was quite alone when she bought the cord. But a few minutes later, in the Rue du Casino, she and Mme. Dauvray were seen together, walking slowly in the direction of the villa. No other woman was with them."
"That is a pity," said Hanaud quietly, and with a gesture he dismissed Perrichet.
"You see, we shall find out nothing—nothing," said Wethermill, with a groan.
"We must not yet lose heart, for we know a little more about the woman than we do about the man," said Hanaud consolingly.
"True," exclaimed Ricardo. "We have Helene Vauquier's description of her. We must advertise it."
Hanaud smiled.
"But that is a fine suggestion," he cried. "We must think over that," and he clapped his hand to his forehead with a gesture of self-reproach. "Why did not such a fine idea occur to me, fool that I am! However, we will call the head waiter."
The head waiter was sent for and appeared before them.