“And this stone?”
“Was substituted for yours, and slipped into Herr Bleichen’s tooth-powder, where it was afterwards found.”
“Then you think this is false?”
“Absolutely false.”
The Countess was overwhelmed with surprise and grief, while her husband scrutinized the diamond with an incredulous air. Finally she stammered:
“Is it possible? And why did they not merely steal it and be done with it? And how did they steal it?”
“That is exactly what I am going to find out.”
“At the Château de Crozon?”
“No. I shall leave the train at Creil and return to Paris. It is there the game between me and Arsène Lupin must be played. In fact, the game has commenced already, and Lupin thinks I am on my way to the château.”
“But—”