"That, I regret to say, I cannot permit. My instructions are precise; but the delay, I trust, will be but trifling. Monsieur le Comte will not suppose for a moment that I suspect him; but we have a duty to perform, and I must act as if I did. When I am ordered to search, I search; things are sometimes hid in such bizarre places. I can't say, for instance, what that coffin may contain."
"The body of my kinsman, Monsieur Pierre de St. Amand," answered the Count, loftily.
"Oh! then you've seen him?"
"Seen him? Often, too often?" The Count was evidently a good deal moved.
"I mean the body?"
The Count stole a quick glance at Planard.
"N—no, Monsieur—that is, I mean only for a moment." Another quick glance at Planard.
"But quite long enough, I fancy, to recognize him?" insinuated that gentleman.
"Of course—of course; instantly—perfectly. What! Pierre de St. Amand? Not know him at a glance? No, no, poor fellow, I know him too well for that."
"The things I am in search of," said Monsieur Carmaignac, "would fit in a narrow compass—servants are so ingenious sometimes. Let us raise the lid."