“It is a tragedy, M. Formery—a tragedy!” groaned the millionaire.
“Do not let it upset you too much. We shall find your masterpieces—we shall find them. Only give us time,” said M. Formery in a tone of warm encouragement.
The face of the millionaire brightened a little.
“And, after all, you have the consolation, that the burglars did not get hold of the gem of your collection. They have not stolen the coronet of the Princesse de Lamballe,” said M. Formery.
“No,” said the Duke. “They have not touched this safe. It is unopened.”
“What has that got to do with it?” growled the millionaire quickly. “That safe is empty.”
“Empty ... but your coronet?” cried the Duke.
“Good heavens! Then they HAVE stolen it,” cried the millionaire hoarsely, in a panic-stricken voice.
“But they can’t have—this safe hasn’t been touched,” said the Duke.
“But the coronet never was in that safe. It was—have they entered my bedroom?” said the millionaire.