"It would, I imagine, be impossible to find out to whom this cat was originally sold?"
"If it was sold over the counter for cash it would be difficult, but if it was entered in our books it might not be impossible to discover, if monsieur desired it."
"I do desire it very much," said Parker, producing his card. "I am an agent of the British police, and it is of great importance that I should know to whom this cat originally belonged."
"In that case," said the young man, "I shall do better to inform monsieur the proprietor."
He carried away the card into the back premises, and presently emerged with a stout gentleman, whom he introduced as Monsieur Briquet.
In Monsieur Briquet's private office the books of the establishment were brought out and laid on the desk.
"You will understand, monsieur," said Monsieur Briquet, "that I can only inform you of the names and addresses of such purchasers of these cats as have had an account sent them. It is, however, unlikely that an object of such value was paid for in cash. Still, with rich Anglo-Saxons, such an incident may occur. We need not go back further than the beginning of the year, when these cats were made." He ran a podgy finger down the pages of the ledger. "The first purchase was on January 19th."
Mr. Parker noted various names and addresses, and at the end of half an hour Monsieur Briquet said in a final manner:
"That is all, monsieur. How many names have you there?"
"Thirteen," said Parker.