“That’s so!” exclaimed the officer, “where is the victim?”
He approached the bed, and drew aside a large sheet, under which reposed the Baron d’Hautrec, formerly French Ambassador at Berlin. Over him, lay his military coat, adorned with the Cross of Honor. His features were calm. His eyes were closed.
“Some one has been here,” said Charles.
“How did they get in?”
“I don’t know, but some one has been here during my absence. There was a stiletto on the floor—there! And a handkerchief, stained with blood, on the bed. They are not here now. They have been carried away. And some one has put the room in order.”
“Who would do that?”
“The assassin.”
“But we found all the doors locked.”
“He must have remained in the house.”
“Then he must be here yet, as you were in front of the house all the time.”