(Dossier Cote 48)
What M. Chabrier had done can best be described in his own words (evidence given before M. Leydet and M. Hamard on November 21st, 1908, the day after the incident here related). "... Having placed the pocket-book in the pocket of my overcoat, I went to the Matin offices.
"M. de Labruyère joined me, and together we went to the Sûreté where we were both received by M. Hamard. I placed the pocket-book on his table, but he refused to take possession of it or to take any steps against Couillard without formal instructions from you (M. Leydet).
"I replaced the pocket-book—which had not been opened—in my overcoat, and I went to your Cabinet. You were not in, so I left a note, and afterwards, went with M. de Labruyère, to the Matin offices. Then, for the first time, the pocket-book was opened; its contents were examined by M. de Labruyère, myself, and a third person (on the staff of the Matin), and the tissue paper with the pearl, was found by M. de Labruyère....
"The third person said the pearl was worth £16, but, seeing that it was pierced at both ends, he remarked the value might be about £10....
"Everything was replaced in the pocket-book and with it I returned to the Impasse Ronsin...."
(Dossier Cote 24 and 11)
M. Barby's description of the scene on the afternoon (evidence given before M. Leydet, on November 24, 1908) concluded as follows:
"Madame Steinheil was called outside the dining-room by M. Chabrier. Shortly afterwards, she returned and said: 'Couillard, you may go. You can ask M. Leydet for your pocket-book to-morrow.'
"Couillard rose, and when Mme. Steinheil asked him if he had any excuses to make, he replied: 'If I have anything to tell you, I shall say it only before M. Hamard or M. Leydet.'