“That is almost insulting, Monsieur Armitage. A distinguished statesman is killed—therefore I must have murdered him. You forget that there’s a difference between us—you are an unknown adventurer, carried on the books of the police as a fugitive from justice, and I can walk to the hotel and get twenty reputable men to vouch for me. I advise you to be careful not to mention my name in connection with Count von Stroebel’s death.”
He had begun jauntily, but closed in heat, and when he finished Armitage nodded to signify that he understood perfectly.
“A few more deaths and you would be in a position to command tribute from a high quarter, Monsieur.”
“Your mind seems to turn upon assassination. If you know so much about Stroebel’s death, it’s unfortunate that you left Europe at a time when you might have rendered important aid in finding the murderer. It’s a bit suspicious, Monsieur Armitage! It is known at the Hotel Monte Rosa in Geneva that you were the last person to enjoy an interview with the venerable statesman—you see I am not dull, Monsieur Armitage!”
“You are not dull, Chauvenet; you are only shortsighted. The same witnesses know that John Armitage was at the Hotel Monte Rosa for twenty-four hours following the Count’s departure. Meanwhile, where were you, Jules Chauvenet?”
Chauvenet’s hand again went to his face, which whitened, though he sought refuge again in flippant irony.
“To be sure! Where was I, Monsieur? Undoubtedly you know all my movements, so that it is unnecessary for me to have any opinions in the matter.”
“Quite so! Your opinions are not of great value to me, for I employed agents to trace every move you made during the month in which Count von Stroebel was stabbed to death in his railway carriage. It is so interesting that I have committed the record to memory. If the story would interest you—”
The hand that again sought the slight mustache trembled slightly; but Chauvenet smiled.
“You should write the memoirs of your very interesting career, my dear fellow. I can not listen to your babble longer.”