"Wonderful," exclaimed the Sovereign.

"I went to Chief Crosne and he lent me his best man, one Wolfstep, who brought me the casket."

"Where is it?" cried Gilbert. "No lying—where is my casket?"

"In my rooms at Versailles," said Andrea, trembling nervously and bursting into tears. "Wolfstep is waiting for me here by appointment since eleven."

Twelve was striking.

"Where is he?"

"Standing in the waiting room, leaning on the mantleshelf. The casket is on the table before him. Oh, haste! Count Charny, who was not to return before to-morrow, will be back to-night on account of the events. He is at Sevres now. Get Wolfstep away for fear my lord will see him."

"Your Majesty hears? This casket belongs to me. Will the King please order it to be returned to me?"

"Instantly."

Placing a screen before the countess, Louis called the officer on duty and gave him orders what to do.