‘Well, it happens I can tell you that, for I had a special reason to note the date.’ He referred to a small pocket diary. ‘It was on Sunday the 14th of March, four weeks ago next Sunday.’
‘And what was the special reason to which you refer?’
‘This. On that day M. Felix and I made an arrangement to purchase coupons in the Government lotteries. He handed me 500 francs as his share, and I was to add another 500 francs and put the business through. Naturally I noted the transaction in my engagement book.’
‘Can you tell me under what circumstances this arrangement came to be made?’
‘Certainly. It was the result of an otherwise idle conversation on the lottery system, which took place that afternoon between a number of men, of whom I was one, at the Café Toisson d’Or, in the rue Royale. At the close of the discussion I said I would try my luck. I asked Felix to join me, and he did so.’
‘And did you purchase the bonds?’
‘I did. I wrote enclosing a cheque that same evening.’
‘And I hope your speculation turned out successfully?’
M. Le Gautier smiled.
‘Well, I can hardly tell you that, you know. The drawing will not be made till next Thursday.’