"To discover the truth of the death of Christine Manderson."
"The truth is discovered," returned the inspector, looking down at his papers.
"The truth is not discovered," said Monsieur Dupont.
"It is a perfectly clear case," the inspector retorted. "There cannot be the smallest doubt that Layton killed her."
"Layton did not kill her. At the beginning I warned you to ignore the obvious. But you did not. Layton is no more guilty of the crime than you are."
"I am satisfied," the inspector said shortly.
"You must please yourself," said Monsieur Dupont. "I cannot wait. There are two lives to save—his and another. I came here to keep my word to you. I promised that if I succeeded in solving the mystery, I would hand the rest to you. I do not want credit from this affair. There is another meaning in it for me. I am ready to hand the rest to you, if you will come and take it. If you will not come—I must go on to the end myself. The choice is to you."
Inspector Fay looked at him steadily for a moment. Then he turned back to his desk, and locked up his papers.
"I will come," he said.