M. Dudouis appeared to be in a rather bad temper. He bowed and said:
"Well, what is it, Ganimard? They gave me your telephone message at headquarters. Is it serious?"
"Very serious, chief. In less than an hour, the last adventures in which I have assisted will come to an issue here. I considered that your presence was indispensable."
"And does this apply also to the presence of Dieuzy and Folenfant, whom I see below, hanging round the door?"
"Yes, chief."
"And what for? Is somebody to be arrested? What a melodramatic display! Well, Ganimard, say what you have to say."
Ganimard hesitated for a few moments and then, with the evident intention of impressing his hearers, said:
"First of all, I wish to state that Herr Bleichen had nothing to do with the theft of the ring."
"Oh," said M. Dudouis, "that's a mere statement ... and a serious one!"
And the count asked: