CHAPTER V
M. Floçon was an experienced detective, and he knew so well that he ought to be on his guard against the most plausible suggestions, that he did not like to make too much of these discoveries. Still, he was distinctly satisfied, if not exactly exultant, and he went back towards the station with a strong predisposition against the Contessa di Castagneto.
Just outside the waiting-room, however, his assistant, Galipaud, met him with news which rather dashed his hopes, and gave a new direction to his thoughts.
The lady’s maid was not to be found.
“Impossible!” cried the Chief, and then at once suspicion followed surprise.
“I have looked, monsieur, inquired everywhere; the maid has not been seen. She certainly is not here.”
“Did she go through the barrier with the other passengers?”
“No one knows; no one remembers her; not even the conductor. But she has gone. That is positive.”
“Yet it was her duty to be here; to attend to her service. Her mistress would certainly want her—has asked for her! Why should she run away?”
This question presented itself as one of infinite importance, to be pondered over seriously before he went further into the inquiry.