"Nor is it here," Hanaud replied with an unblushing assurance. "Let us go downstairs."
Jim was utterly staggered. This room had not been searched for the necklace at all. First the Sedan chair, then this sitting-room was neglected. Hanaud actually led the way out to the stairs without so much as a glance behind him. No wonder that in Paris he had styled himself and his brethren the Servants of Chance.
CHAPTER SIXTEEN: Hanaud Laughs
At the bottom of the stairs Hanaud thanked the Commissary of Police for his assistance.
"As for the necklace, we shall of course search the baggage of every one in the house," he said. "But we shall find nothing. Of that we may be sure. For if the necklace has been stolen, too much time has passed since it was stolen for us to hope to find it here."
He bowed Girardot with much respect out of the house, whilst Monsieur Bex took Jim Frobisher a little aside.
"I have been thinking that Mademoiselle Ann should have some legal help," he said. "Now both you and I are attached to the affairs of Mademoiselle Harlowe. And—it is a little difficult to put it delicately—it may be that the interests of those two young ladies are not identical. It would not therefore be at all correct for me, at all events, to offer her my services. But I can recommend a very good lawyer in Dijon, a friend of mine. You see, it may be important."
Frobisher agreed.
"It may be, indeed. Will you give me your friend's address?" he said.