ONE HUNDRED AND TWENTY-SEVEN STATIONS
On leaving Fandor, Juve walked up the Avenue Champs Elysées, refusing the offers of various cab drivers. He felt the need of movement as an antidote to his growing worry over the affair. On arriving at the Rue Saussaies, Juve sent up his card to M. Annion and requested an immediate interview. In a few moments he was shown into M. Annion's office.
"Well, what's new? What's the result of your investigation, Juve?"
"There is nothing much to report yet. The theory of suicide is possible, although a crime may have been committed. Whether the King is involved or not in this affair is still uncertain. It will take me a week at least to find out."
"In other words, you know nothing yet. Well, I can tell you a few things you don't know. Pass me those documents."
M. Annion looked through the papers and then continued:
"When Vicart saw you this morning he forgot to give you some of the instructions I had charged him with.... I sent two of my men to the Royal Palace Hotel.... Do you know what they found?"
"No, I haven't the least idea. There was nothing to learn at the Royal Palace itself."
"On the contrary, they made an extraordinary discovery."
"What was it?"