“You thought what?” said Guerchard.
“Then Lupin ... since it was Lupin who managed the business last night—since you found those salvias in the house next door ... then Lupin came from Charmerace.”
“Evidently,” said Guerchard.
“And Lupin is one of the Charolais.”
“Oh, that’s another matter,” said Guerchard.
“But it’s certain, absolutely certain,” said the Duke. “We have the connecting links ... the salvias ... this cigarette.”
“It looks very like it. You’re pretty quick on a scent, I must say,” said Guerchard. “What a detective you would have made! Only ... nothing is certain.”
“But it IS. Whatever more do you want? Was he at Charmerace yesterday, or was he not? Did he, or did he not, arrange the theft of the motor-cars?”
“Certainly he did. But he himself might have remained in the background all the while,” said Guerchard.
“In what shape? ... Under what mask? ... By Jove, I should like to see this fellow!” said the Duke.