How great was his anxiety as they turned from the rue de la Pompe! Had he caught a glimpse of the truth at last?
On one of the stones of the late Baron’s house he read the words: “Destange, architect, 1874.” And a similar inscription appeared on the two adjoining houses.
The reaction was such that he settled down in the seat of the carriage, trembling from joy. At last, a tiny ray of light had penetrated the dark shadows which encompassed these mysterious crimes! In the vast sombre forest wherein a thousand pathways crossed and re-crossed, he had discovered the first clue to the track followed by the enemy!
He entered a branch postoffice and obtained telephonic connection with the château de Crozon. The Countess answered the telephone call.
“Hello!... Is that you, madame?”
“Monsieur Sholmes, isn’t it? Everything going all right?”
“Quite well, but I wish to ask you one question.... Hello!”
“Yes, I hear you.”
“Tell me, when was the château de Crozon built?”