They stepped carefully across the wet, slippery floor, and entered the séance room in silence.
Monsieur Biron went up to Delapine's body and carefully examined him.
"He is quite dead," he remarked; "as to that there can only be one opinion."
Then, turning to Villebois, he asked him the names and addresses of all the guests, and entered them in his official memorandum book.
"These are all guests of mine," said Villebois, "I will make myself responsible for them."
"Good," replied the commissaire. "Let them please retire into the next room, while we go into the matter privately here."
Dr. Riche took Monsieur Biron aside in order to acquaint him with the true facts of the case and of his struggle at the door, but the Commissaire of Police interrupted him impatiently.
"Pardon, monsieur, but I am on duty, and you will please excuse me if I listen to you later."
"Allow me to present my card, monsieur le commissaire. I am Dr. Riche. I was witness of——"
"I regret, monsieur le docteur, but I cannot allow you to interfere with me in my investigations."