"Probably. That is not our concern. What we are after are details about his disappearance. You are free to-day, are you not? Will you take the affair in hand then? I would put off the appearance of the paper for half an hour rather than not have details to report which would throw some light on this extraordinary affair."
Then, as Fandor did not show the slightest intention of going in search of material for a Thomery article, the secretary laughed.
"Why don't you start on the trail, Fandor?... My word, I don't recognise a Fandor who is not off like a zigzag of lightning on such a reporting job as this!... We want illuminating details, my dear man!"
"You think I haven't got any, then?... Be easy: this evening's issue of La Capitale will have all the details you could desire on the vanishing of Thomery."
Thereupon, Fandor turned on his heel without further explanation, and went towards one of his colleagues, who went by the title of "Financier of the paper." The Financier had an official manner, and had an office of his own, the walls of which were carefully padded, for Marville—that was his name—frequently received visits from important personages.
Fandor began questioning him on the subject of Thomery's disappearance.
"Tell me, my dear fellow, what is happening in the financial world, now that Thomery has disappeared."
"What do you mean?"
"Where is the money going—all the coppers?"
"The coppers?"