"If we do not find them in time for the inquest," Monsieur Dupont returned, "there will be two inquests to hold."
"Two inquests?" the inspector echoed.
"I could not understand it," continued Monsieur Dupont. "It was contrary to all my calculations. I was bewildered—and you may recollect that I am not often bewildered. But when I returned to my hotel, I found this." He held out the telegram. "It is the answer to a certain inquiry I have made."
"What does it mean?" the inspector asked, handing it back.
"It means," said Monsieur Dupont slowly, "that we shall be lucky if we find Tranter alive."
"Where can they have gone?"
"I do not know. I can only guess—and if I have not guessed rightly, we shall not see him again."
"Are you telling me," the inspector demanded, "that Copplestone killed the woman he had just become engaged to?"
"I shall tell you who killed her within twelve hours," Monsieur Dupont replied. "I will tell you why she was killed now."
He paused.