They went to a room devoted to more antiquated specimens. Here La Touche continued his investigations, searching always for the twisted S.
At last he saw it. Not only was the letter turned to the right, but on the side plate were the three scratches mentioned by Mlle. Lambert.
‘I think that one would suit,’ he said. ‘Could you get it down and let me have a look at it?’
He went through the pretence of examining it with care.
‘Yes,’ he said, ‘this will do if it works all right. I should like to try it.’
He put in a sheet of paper and typed a few words. Then, drawing out his work, he examined the letters and alignment.
As he looked at it even his long experience scarcely prevented him giving a cry of triumph. For, to the best of his belief, this was the machine on which the Le Gautier letter had been typed!
He turned again to the shopman.
‘That seems all right,’ he said. ‘I’ll take the machine, please.’
He paid for it and obtained a receipt. Then he asked to see the manager.