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So this alarming thing happened just before three oclock in themorning? He
turneddoubtfully towards the library, where Ann Upcott stood in the doorway.
Might that letter not have been a blind and a rathercunning blind? Both had
been unmistakably signs of alarm.
I woke up and it was stillpitch dark in my
room.
But there was nosign that it had ever been tampered with.
For the Hanauds
must see something everywhere - evenwhen there is nothing to see.
But Hanaudsat
down again in his chair, and once more turned towards Ann Upcott.
Mademoiselle,
will you take Monsieur Girardot into Jeanne Baudinsbedroom and close the door.
Hegave Frobisher the queer impression of an animal crouching to spring. But
Hanaudsat down again in his chair, and once more turned towards Ann Upcott.
Everythinghere has been locked up too, he said. It is not on her account that I
am troubled, he cried, and Ann lookedat him with startled eyes.
Hanaud,
however, accepted her declaration on the spot. He rose to hisfeet and bowed to
her with a certain formality but with a smile whichredeemed it.
Jims ill -
humour vanished like mist on a summer morning.
But there was one point which
Hanaudhad missed, which should be brought to his notice. Maurice Thevenet
blushed with the most becoming diffidence. Ann Upcott is left alone after
MademoiselleHarlowes departure to Monsieur de Pouillacs ball.
Harlowes room
heard a door close in the corridor. Jeanne Baudin, or even Mademoiselle
Harlowesmaid, Francine Rollard.
The next morning Madame Harlowewas found dead.
I tried to tell myself that I had been dreaming, but I knew thatthe tale wasnt
true.
The girl, of course, was Ann Upcott, theman Waberski.
MonsieurHanaud
might be a thorough little Mr. There were troubles enough in the housewithout
my adding to them.
JimFrobisher drew a great breath of relief. She made his
case the more difficult perhaps by arather wistful _expression_ of sympathy.
All
thedrawers were locked on the morning when Madame Harlowes death wasdiscovered.
But there is no case forHanaud to take charge of; and Betty Harlowe drew him a
little aside.
Shall we say three for the Commissaire of Police?
Hanaud stooped
and minutely examined the cord.
Jim yielded, but not with a very good grace.
Even what you brought me to this cafe to say, you are going tokeep to
yourself.
I did not want that questionasked, he said. No doubt that question is
important, he admitted, although in rather anoff - hand way.
Hanaud sat down
upon a stone bench and stretched out his arm across theparapet.
I think there
is one question in particular which we must answer if weare to discover whether
Mrs.
The white face of the clock and the hour leaping at her.
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