“Because I want to consult you,” he replied. “The fact is, that in this affair there is a strong element of mystery which I don’t like at all. And, moreover, the few seconds during which I’ve seen the Countess have plainly impressed upon me the belief that either she has had something to do with it, or else that she knows the truth.”
I nodded. This was exactly my own theory. “Do you think Yolande has been the victim of foul play?” I inquired a moment later.
“That’s my suspicion,” he responded. “But only she herself can tell us the truth.”
“You really think, then, that a dastardly attempt has been made upon her life?” I cried incredulously.
“Personally, I think there can be no doubt.”
“But by whom? No one called here after my departure.”
“It is that mystery which we must elucidate,” he said. “All I fear is, however, that she may render us no assistance.”
“Why?”
“Because it is a mystery, and in all probability she will endeavour to preserve the secret. She must not see the Countess before we question her.”
“Is she yet conscious?” I asked in eagerness.