“Well, this bit comes from a walking-stick, or rather a sort of loaded cane, or life-preserver, the knob of which is formed of a piece of carved ivory. When you look at the knob in a certain way, you end by seeing that the outline represents the profile of the Little Corporal. What you have in your hand, monsieur le secrétaire;-général, is a bit of the ivory knob at the top of a half-pay officer’s life-preserver.”
“Yes,” said Prasville, examining the exhibit, “yes, I can make out a profile . . . but I don’t see the inference....”
“The inference is very simple. Among Daubrecq’s victims, among those whose names are inscribed on the famous list, is the descendant of a Corsican family in Napoleon’s service, which derived its wealth and title from the emperor and was afterward ruined under the Restoration. It is ten to one that this descendant, who was the leader of the Bonapartist party a few years ago, was the fifth person hiding in the motor-car. Need I state his name?”
“The Marquis d’Albufex?” said Prasville.
“The Marquis d’Albufex,” said M. Nicole.
M. Nicole, who no longer seemed in the least worried with his hat, his glove and his umbrella, rose and said to Prasville:
“Monsieur le secrétaire;-général, I might have kept my discovery to myself, and not told you of it until after the final victory, that is, after bringing you the list of the Twenty-seven. But matters are urgent. Daubrecq’s disappearance, contrary to what his kidnappers expect, may hasten on the catastrophe which you wish to avert. We must therefore act with all speed. Monsieur le secrétaire;-général, I ask for your immediate and practical assistance.”
“In what way can I help you?” asked Prasville, who was beginning to be impressed by his quaint visitor.
“By giving me, to-morrow, those particulars about the Marquis d’Albufex which it would take me personally several days to collect.”
Prasville seemed to hesitate and turned his head toward Mme. Mergy. Clarisse said: