“Oh, but this is becoming very curious and I shall get to know something at last! For I confess, to my great confusion, that I know nothing.”
“That is because you have not had time to reflect, Monsieur le Juge d’Instruction. The great thing is to reflect. Facts very seldom fail to carry their own explanation!”
“And, according to you, the facts which we have just ascertained carry their own explanation?”
“Don’t you think so yourself? In any case, I have ascertained none besides those which are set down in the official report.”
“Good! So that, if I were to ask you which were the objects stolen from this room—”
“I should answer that I know.”
“Bravo! My gentleman knows more about it than the owner himself. M. de Gesvres has everything accounted for: M. Isidore Beautrelet has not. He misses a bookcase in three sections and a life-size statue which nobody ever noticed. And, if I asked you the name of the murderer?”
“I should again answer that I know it.”
All present gave a start. The deputy and the journalist drew nearer. M. de Gesvres and the two girls, impressed by Beautrelet’s tranquil assurance, listened attentively.
“You know the murderer’s name?”