(3) Bernier had locked the door of the apartment when M. Darzac went out with us between a quarter past and half past six.
(4) The door of the apartment had been locked and bolted by M. Darzac as soon as he entered his room, both in the afternoon and in the evening.
(5) Bernier had stood guard before the door of the apartment from five o’clock till eleven o’clock with a brief interruption of not more than two minutes at six o’clock.
When we had discussed and fully established these facts, Rouletabille, who was sitting at M. Darzac’s desk taking notes, arose and said:
“So far, it is very simple. We have only one hope. It is in the few moments that Bernier was off guard about six o’clock. At least, at that time, no one was in front of the door. But there was someone behind it. It was you, M. Darzac. Can you reiterate, after having thoroughly searched your memory, that when you went into your room, you instantly closed the door and drew the bolt?”
“I can!” replied M. Darzac, solemnly; and he added: “And I opened that door only when you and Sainclair knocked upon it. I swear it.”
And in saying this, as later events proved, the man spoke the truth.
Rouletabille thanked the Berniers and dismissed them to get some rest. Then, his voice trembling, the lad said:
“It is well, M. Darzac, you have closed the circle. The apartment in the Square Tower is now closed as firmly as was the Yellow Room which was like a strong box, or as the ‘inexplicable gallery.’”
“One would guess immediately that Larsan was mixed up in the affair!” I exclaimed. “It is the same mode of procedure!”