"Do you really mean," Tranter exclaimed, "that you know the truth of the crime?"
Monsieur Dupont offered him a cigar, and lit one himself with great composure.
"I know just as much about the crime, my friend, as I have said. I repeat—I know how and why that unfortunate woman died. Who, or what, caused her to die is another matter, which we are setting ourselves to solve."
"You are certain that Layton is innocent?"
"James Layton did not commit the crime," Monsieur Dupont returned firmly. "But he will be hanged for it—if we are not in time."
"Well," said Tranter, "what is there for me to do?"
"For you," replied Monsieur Dupont, "there is the most important task in the case, so far. And the most dangerous. Within twenty-four hours you must discover, and bring to me here, the secret of the Crooked House."
"Good Lord!" Tranter exclaimed, taken aback, "how on earth am I to do that?"
"I do not know," Monsieur Dupont admitted. "Nor have I any helpful suggestions to make. The method of procedure I leave to you."
"Housebreaking is entirely out of my province," Tranter objected. "And the secret of that house, if there is one, is likely to be very well guarded."