‘M. Fouchard,’ began Lefarge, ‘this gentleman and I are trying to trace the movements of one of your casks, which I am informed left here by your lorry about four o’clock on Tuesday, the thirtieth of March last. Can you recall the occasion?’
‘Permit me to get my delivery book, monsieur.’
He disappeared for a moment, returning with a small, cloth-covered book. Rapidly turning over the pages, he found what he was looking for.
‘For M. Léon Felix, 141 West Jubb Street, Tottenham Court Road, London? Yes, monsieur. It was the only cask which left here that day. I took it to the Gare St. Lazare and handed it to the railway officials. Here is their signature for it.’
He passed the book over and Lefarge read the name.
‘Thank you. Who is this Jean Duval? I shall probably want to see him and would like to know where to find him.’
‘He is a clerk in the departure passenger cloak-room.’
‘You left here with the cask, I understand, about four o’clock?’
‘About that, monsieur.’
‘And what time did you arrive at the Gare St. Lazare?’