Itshowedsuchanirresistibledesiretocrossthethresholdbeyondwhichsomeprodigiousmysteryhadoccurred；itappealedwithsomucheloquence，notonlyofthemouthandeyes，butwithallitsfeatures，thatIcouldnotrefrainfromburstingintolaughter。FredericLarsan，nomorethanmyself，couldretainhisgravity。Meanwhile，standingontheothersideofthegate，hecalmlyputthekeyinhispocket。Icloselyscrutinisedhim。
Hemightbeaboutfiftyyearsofage。Hehadafinehead，hishairturninggrey；acolourlesscomplexion，andafirmprofile。Hisforeheadwasprominent，hischinandcheekscleanshaven。Hisupperlip，withoutmoustache，wasfinelychiselled。Hiseyeswererathersmallandround，withalookinthemthatwasatoncesearchinganddisquieting。Hewasofmiddleheightandwellbuilt，withageneralbearingelegantandgentlemanly。Therewasnothingabouthimofthevulgarpoliceman。Inhisway，hewasanartist，andonefeltthathehadahighopinionofhimself。Thescepticaltoneofhisconversationwasthatofamanwhohadbeentaughtbyexperience。
Hisstrangeprofessionhadbroughthimintocontactwithsomanycrimesandvillaniesthatitwouldhavebeenremarkableifhisnaturehadnotbeenalittlehardened。
Larsanturnedhisheadatthesoundofavehiclewhichhadcomefromthechateauandreachedthegatebehindhim。WerecognisedthecabwhichhadconveyedtheexaminingmagistrateandhisRegistrarfromthestationatEpinay。
"Ah！"saidFredericLarsan，"ifyouwanttospeakwithMonsieurRobertDarzac，heishere。"
ThecabwasalreadyattheparkgateandRobertDarzacwasbeggingFredericLarsantoopenitforhim，explainingthathewaspressedfortimetocatchthenexttrainleavingEpinayforParis。Thenherecognisedme。WhileLarsanwasunlockingthegate，MonsieurDarzacinquiredwhathadbroughtmetotheGlandieratsuchatragicmoment。
Inoticedthathewasfrightfullypale，andthathisfacewaslinedasiffromtheeffectsofsometerriblesuffering。
"IsMademoisellegettingbetter？"Iimmediatelyasked。
"Yes，"hesaid。"Shewillbesavedperhaps。Shemustbesaved！"
Hedidnotadd"oritwillbemydeath"；butIfeltthatthephrasetrembledonhispalelips。
Rouletabilleintervened：
"Youareinahurry，Monsieur；butImustspeakwithyou。Ihavesomethingofthegreatestimportancetotellyou。"
FredericLarsaninterrupted：
"MayIleaveyou？"heaskedofRobertDarzac。"Haveyouakey，ordoyouwishmetogiveyouthisone。"
"Thankyou。Ihaveakeyandwilllockthegate。"
Larsanhurriedoffinthedirectionofthechateau，theimposingpileofwhichcouldbeperceivedafewhundredyardsaway。
RobertDarzac，withknitbrow，wasbeginningtoshowimpatience。I
presentedRouletabilleasagoodfriendofmine，but，assoonashelearntthattheyoungmanwasajournalist，helookedatmeveryreproachfully，excusedhimself，underthenecessityofhavingtoreachEpinayintwentyminutes，bowed，andwhippeduphishorse。
ButRouletabillehadseizedthebridleand，tomyutterastonishment，stoppedthecarriagewithavigoroushand。Thenhegaveutterancetoasentencewhichwasutterlymeaninglesstome。
"Thepresbyteryhaslostnothingofitscharm，northegardenitsbrightness。"
ThewordshadnosoonerleftthelipsofRouletabillethanIsawRobertDarzacquail。Paleashewas，hebecamepaler。Hiseyeswerefixedontheyoungmaninterror，andheimmediatelydescendedfromthevehicleinaninexpressiblestateofagitation。
"Come！-comein！"hestammered。
hen，suddenly，andwithasortoffury，herepeated：
"Letusgo，monsieur。"
Heturnedupbytheroadhehadcomefromthechateau，Rouletabillestillretaininghisholdonthehorse'sbridle。IaddressedafewwordstoMonsieurDarzac，buthemadenoanswer。MylooksquestionedRouletabille，buthisgazewaselsewhere。
CHAPTERVI
intheHeartoftheOakGroveWereachedthechateau，and，asweapproachedit，sawfourgendarmespacinginfrontofalittledoorinthegroundfloorofthedonjon。Wesoonlearnedthatinthisgroundfloor，whichhadformerlyservedasaprison，MonsieurandMadameBernier，theconcierges，wereconfined。MonsieurRobertDarzacledusintothemodernpartofthechateaubyalargedoor，protectedbyaprojectingawning-a"marquise"asitiscalled。Rouletabille，whohadresignedthehorseandthecabtothecareofaservant，nevertookhiseyesoffMonsieurDarzac。IfollowedhislookandperceivedthatitwasdirectedsolelytowardstheglovedhandsoftheSorbonneprofessor。Whenwewereinatinysitting-roomfittedwitholdfurniture，MonsieurDarzacturnedtoRouletabilleandsaidsharply：
"Whatdoyouwant？"
Thereporteransweredinanequallysharptone：
"Toshakeyoubythehand。"
Darzacshrankback。
"Whatdoesthatmean？"
Evidentlyheunderstood，whatIalsounderstood，thatmyfriendsuspectedhimoftheabominableattemptonthelifeofMademoiselleStangerson。Theimpressionoftheblood-stainedhandonthewallsofTheYellowRoomwasinhismind。Ilookedatthemanclosely。Hishaughtyfacewithitsexpressionordinarilysostraightforwardwasatthismomentstrangelytroubled。Heheldouthisrighthandand，referringtome，said：
"AsyouareafriendofMonsieurSainclairwhohasrenderedmeinvaluableservicesinajustcause，monsieur，Iseenoreasonforrefusingyoumyhand-"
Rouletabilledidnottaketheextendedhand。Lyingwiththeutmostaudacity，hesaid：
"Monsieur，IhavelivedseveralyearsinRussia，whereIhaveacquiredthehabitofnevertakinganybutanunglovedhand。"
IthoughtthattheSorbonneprofessorwouldexpresshisangeropenly，but，onthecontrary，byavisiblyviolenteffort，hecalmedhimself，tookoffhisgloves，andshowedhishands；theywereunmarkedbyanycicatrix。
"Areyousatisfied？"
"No！"repliedRouletabille。"Mydearfriend，"hesaid，turningtome，"Iamobligedtoaskyoutoleaveusaloneforamoment。"
Ibowedandretired；stupefiedbywhatIhadseenandheard。I
couldnotunderstandwhyMonsieurRobertDarzachadnotalreadyshownthedoortomyimpertinent，insulting，andstupidfriend。
IwasangrymyselfwithRouletabilleatthatmoment，forhissuspicions，whichhadledtothissceneofthegloves。
ForsometwentyminutesIwalkedaboutinfrontofthechateau，tryingvainlytolinktogetherthedifferenteventsoftheday。
WhatwasinRouletabile'smind？WasitpossiblethathethoughtMonsieurRobertDarzactobethemurderer？Howcoulditbethoughtthatthisman，whowastohavemarriedMademoiselleStangersoninthecourseofafewdays，hadintroducedhimselfintoTheYellowRoomtoassassinatehisfiancee？IcouldfindnoexplanationastohowthemurdererhadbeenabletoleaveTheYellowRoom；andsolongasthatmystery，whichappearedtomesoinexplicable，remainedunexplained，Ithoughtitwasthedutyofallofustorefrainfromsuspectinganybody。But，then，thatseeminglysenselessphrase-"Thepresbyteryhaslostnothingofitscharm，northegardenitsbrightness"-stillranginmyears。Whatdiditmean？IwaseagertorejoinRouletabilleandquestionhim。
AtthatmomenttheyoungmancameoutofthechateauinthecompanyofMonsieurRobertDarzac，and，extraordinarytorelate，Isaw，ataglance，thattheywerethebestoffriends。"WearegoingtoTheYellowRoom。Comewithus，"Rouletabillesaidtome。"Youknow，mydearboy，Iamgoingtokeepyouwithmeallday。We'llbreakfasttogethersomewhereabouthere-"
"You'llbreakfastwithme，here，gentlemen-"
"No，thanks，"repliedtheyoungman。"WeshallbreakfastattheDonjonInn。"
"You'llfareverybadlythere；you'llnotfindanything-"
"Doyouthinkso？Well，Ihopetofindsomethingthere，"repliedRouletabille。"Afterbreakfast，we'llsettoworkagain。I'llwritemyarticleandifyou'llbesogoodastotakeittotheofficeforme-"
"Won'tyoucomebackwithmetoParis？"
"No；Ishallremainhere。"
IturnedtowardsRouletabille。Hespokequiteseriously，andMonsieurRobertDarzacdidnotappeartobeintheleastdegreesurprised。
Wewerepassingbythedonjonandheardwailingvoices。Rouletabilleasked：
"Whyhavethesepeoplebeenarrested？"
"Itisalittlemyfault，"saidMonsieurDarzac。"Ihappenedtoremarktotheexaminingmagistrateyesterdaythatitwasinexplicablethattheconciergeshadhadtimetoheartherevolvershots，todressthemselves，andtocoversogreatadistanceasthatwhichliesbetweentheirlodgeandthepavilion，inthespaceoftwominutes；
fornotmorethanthatintervaloftimehadelapsedafterthefiringoftheshotswhentheyweremetbyDaddyJacques。"
"Thatwassuspiciousevidently，"acquiescedRouletabille。"Andweretheydressed？"
"Thatiswhatissoincredible-theyweredressed-completely-notonepartoftheircostumewanting。Thewomanworesabots，butthemanhadonlacedboots。Nowtheyassertthattheywenttobedathalf-pastnine。Onarrivingthismorning，theexaminingmagistratebroughtwithhimfromParisarevolverofthesamecalibreasthatfoundintheroomforhecouldn'tusetheoneheldforevidence，andmadehisRegistrarfiretwoshotsinTheYellowRoomwhilethedoorsandwindowswereclosed。Wewerewithhiminthelodgeoftheconcierges，andyetweheardnothing，notasound。
Theconciergeshavelied，ofthattherecanbenodoubt。Theymusthavebeenalreadywaiting，notfarfromthepavilion，waitingforsomething！Certainlytheyarenottobeaccusedofbeingtheauthorsofthecrime，buttheircomplicityisnotimprobable。ThatwaswhyMonsieurdeMarquethadthemarrestedatonce。"
"Iftheyhadbeenaccomplices，"saidRouletabille，"theywouldnothavebeenthereatall。Whenpeoplethrowthemselvesintothearmsofjusticewiththeproofsofcomplicityonthem，youcanbesuretheyarenotaccomplices。Idon'tbelievethereareanyaccomplicesinthisaffair。"
"Then，whyweretheyabroadatmidnight？Whydon'ttheysay？"
"Theyhavecertainlysomereasonfortheirsilence。Whatthatreasonis，hastobefoundout；for，eveniftheyarenotaccomplices，itmaybeofimportance。Everythingthattookplaceonsuchanightisimportant。"
WehadcrossedanoldbridgethrownovertheDouveandwereenteringthepartoftheparkcalledtheOakGrove，Theoaksherewerecenturiesold。Autumnhadalreadyshrivelledtheirtawnyleaves，andtheirhighbranches，blackandcontorted，lookedlikehorridheadsofhair，mingledwithquaintreptilessuchastheancientsculptorshavemadeontheheadofMedusa。Thisplace，whichMademoisellefoundcheerfulandinwhichshelivedinthesummerseason，appearedtousassadandfunerealnow。Thesoilwasblackandmuddyfromtherecentrainsandtherottingofthefallenleaves；thetrunksofthetreeswereblackandtheskyaboveuswasnow，asifinmourning，chargedwithgreat，heavyclouds。
Anditwasinthissombreanddesolateretreatthatwesawthewhitewallsofthepavilionasweapproached。Aqueer-lookingbuildingwithoutawindowvisibleonthesidebywhichwenearedit。Alittledooralonemarkedtheentrancetoit。Itmighthavepassedforatomb，avastmausoleuminthemidstofathickforest。Aswecamenearer，wewereabletomakeoutitsdisposition。Thebuildingobtainedallthelightitneededfromthesouth，thatistosay，fromtheopencountry。Thelittledoorclosedonthepark。MonsieurandMademoiselleStangersonmusthavefounditanidealseclusionfortheirworkandtheirdreams。
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doorenclosingwallHereisthegroundplanofthepavilion。Ithadaground-floorwhichwasreachedbyafewsteps，andaboveitwasanattic，withwhichweneednotconcernourselves。Theplanoftheground-flooronly，sketchedroughly，iswhatIheresubmittothereader。
1。TheYellowRoom，withitsonewindowanditsonedooropeningintothelaboratory。
2。Laboratory，withitstwolarge，barredwindowsanditsdoors，oneservingforthevestibule，theotherforTheYellowRoom。
3。Vestibule，withitsunbarredwindowanddooropeningintothepark。
4。Lavatory。
5。Stairsleadingtotheattic。
6。Largeandtheonlychimneyinthepavilion，servingfortheexperimentsofthelaboratory。
TheplanwasdrawnbyRouletabille，andIassuredmyselfthattherewasnotalineinitthatwaswantingtohelptothesolutionoftheproblemthensetbeforethepolice。Withthelinesofthisplanandthedescriptionofitspartsbeforethem，myreaderswillknowasmuchasRouletabilleknewwhenheenteredthepavilionforthefirsttime。Withhimtheymaynowask：HowdidthemurdererescapefromTheYellowRoom？Beforemountingthethreestepsleadinguptothedoorofthepavilion，RouletabillestoppedandaskedMonsieurDarzacpointblank：
"Whatwasthemotiveforthecrime？"
"Speakingformyself，Monsieur，therecanbenodoubtonthematter，"saidMademoiselleStangerson'sfiance，greatlydistressed。
"Thenailsofthefingers，thedeepscratchesonthechestandthroatofMademoiselleStangersonshowthatthewretchwhoattackedherattemptedtocommitafrightfulcrime。Themedicalexpertswhoexaminedthesetracesyesterdayaffirmthattheyweremadebythesamehandasthatwhichleftitsredimprintonthewall；anenormoushand，Monsieur，muchtoolargetogointomygloves，"headdedwithanindefinablesmile。
"Couldnotthatblood-stainedhand，"Iinterrupted，"havebeenthehandofMademoiselleStangersonwho，inthemomentoffalling，hadpresseditagainstthewail，and，inslipping，enlargedtheimpression？"
"Therewasnotadropofbloodoneitherofherhandswhenshewasliftedup，"repliedMonsieurDarzac。
"Wearenowsure，"saidI，"thatitwasMademoiselleStangersonwhowasarmedwithDaddyJacques'srevolver，sinceshewoundedthehandofthemurderer。Shewasinfear，then，ofsomebodyorsomething。"
"Probably。"
"Doyoususpectanybody？"
"No，"repliedMonsieurDarzac，lookingatRouletabille。Rouletabillethensaidtome：
"Youmustknow，myfriend，thattheinquiryisalittlemoreadvancedthanMonsieurdeMarquethaschosentotellus。HenotonlyknowsthatMademoiselleStangersondefendedherselfwiththerevolver，butheknowswhattheweaponwasthatwasusedtoattackher。
MonsieurDarzactellsmeitwasamutton-bone。WhyisMonsieurdeMarquetsurroundingthismutton-bonewithsomuchmystery？NodoubtforthepurposeoffacilitatingtheinquiriesoftheagentsoftheSurete？Heimagines，perhaps，thattheownerofthisinstrumentofcrime，themostterribleinvented，isgoingtobefoundamongstthosewhoarewell-knownintheslumsofPariswhouseit。Butwhocaneversaywhatpassesthroughthebrainofanexaminingmagistrate？"
Rouletabilleaddedwithcontemptuousirony。
"Hasamutton-bonebeenfoundinTheYellowRoom？"Iaskedhim。
"Yes，Monsieur，"saidRobertDarzac，"atthefootofthebed；butI
begofyounottosayanythingaboutit。"Imadeagestureofassent。"Itwasanenormousmutton-bone，thetopofwhich，orratherthejoint，wasstillredwiththebloodofthefrightfulwound。Itwasanoldbone，whichmay，accordingtoappearances，haveservedinothercrimes。That'swhatMonsieurdeMarquetthinks。HehashaditsenttothemunicipallaboratoryatParistobeanalysed。Infact，hethinkshehasdetectedonit，notonlythebloodofthelastvictim，butotherstainsofdriedblood，evidencesofpreviouscrimes。"
"Amutton-boneinthehandofaskilledassassinisafrightfulweapon，"saidRouletabille，"amorecertainweaponthanaheavyhammer。"
"Thescoundrelhasprovedittobeso，"saidMonsieurRobertDarzac，sadly。"Thejointofthebonefoundexactlyfitsthewoundinflicted。
Mybeliefisthatthewoundwouldhavebeenmortal，ifthemurderer'sblowhadnotbeenarrestedintheactbyMademoiselleStangerson'srevolver。Woundedinthehand，hedroppedthemutton-boneandfled。
Unfortunately，theblowhadbeenalreadygiven，andMademoisellewasstunnedafterhavingbeennearlystrangled。Ifshehadsucceededinwoundingthemanwiththefirstshotoftherevolver，shewould，doubtless，haveescapedtheblowwiththebone。Butshehadcertainlyemployedherrevolvertoolate；thefirstshotdeviatedandlodgedintheceiling；itwasthesecondonlythattookeffect。"
Havingsaidthis，MonsieurDarzacknockedatthedoorofthepavilion。
Imustconfesstofeelingastrongimpatiencetoreachthespotwherethecrimehadbeencommitted。ItwassometimebeforethedoorwaspenedbyamanwhomIatoncerecognisedasDaddyJacques。
Heappearedtobewelloversixtyyearsofage。Hehadalongwhitebeardandwhitehair，onwhichheworeaflatBasquecap。Hewasdressedinacompletesuitofchestnut-colouredvelveteen，wornatthesides；sabotswereonhisfeet。Hehadratherawaspish-lookingface，theexpressionofwhichlightened，however，assoonashesawMonsieurDarzac。
"Friends，"saidourguide。"Nobodyinthepavilion，DaddyJacques？"
"Ioughtnottoallowanybodytoenter，MonsieurRobert，butofcoursetheorderdoesnotapplytoyou。Thesegentlemenofjusticehaveseeneverythingthereistobeseen，andmadeenoughdrawings，anddrawnupenoughreports-"
"Excuseme，MonsieurJacques，onequestionbeforeanythingelse，"
saidRouletabille。
"Whatisit，youngman？IfIcananswerit-"
"Didyourmistresswearherhairinbands，thatevening？YouknowwhatImean-overherforehead？"
"No，youngman。Mymistressneverworeherhairinthewayyousuggest，neitheronthatdaynoronanyother。Shehadherhairdrawnup，asusual，sothatherbeautifulforeheadcouldbeseen，pureasthatofanunbornchild！"
Rouletabillegruntedandsettoworkexaminingthedoor，findingthatitfasteneditselfautomatically。Hesatisfiedhimselfthatitcouldneverremainopenandneededakeytoopenit。Thenweenteredthevestibule，asmall，well-litroompavedwithsquareredtiles。
"Ah！Thisisthewindowbywhichthemurdererescaped！"saidRouletabille。
"Sotheykeeponsaying，monsieur，sotheykeeponsaying！Butifhehadgoneoffthatway，weshouldhavebeensuretohaveseenhim。
Wearenotblind，neitherMonsieurStangersonnorme，northeconciergeswhoareinprison。Whyhavetheynotputmeinprison，too，onaccountofmyrevolver？"
Rouletabillehadalreadyopenedthewindowandwasexaminingtheshutters。
"Weretheseclosedatthetimeofthecrime？"
"Andfastenedwiththeironcatchinside，"saidDaddyJacques，"andIamquitesurethatthemurdererdidnotgetoutthatway。"
"Arethereanybloodstains？"
"Yes，onthestonesoutside；butbloodofwhat？"
"Ah！"saidRouletabille，"therearefootmarksvisibleonthepath-thegroundwasverymoist。Iwilllookintothatpresently。"
"Nonsense！"interruptedDaddyJacques；"themurdererdidnotgothatway。"
"Whichwaydidhego，then？"
"HowdoIknow？"
Rouletabillelookedateverything，smelledeverything。Hewentdownonhiskneesandrapidlyexaminedeveryoneofthepavingtiles。
DaddyJacqueswenton：
"Ah！-youcan'tfindanything，monsieur。Nothinghasbeenfound。
Andnowitisalldirty；toomanypersonshavetrampedoverit。
Theywouldn'tletmewashit，butonthedayofthecrimeIhadwashedthefloorthoroughly，andifthemurdererhadcrosseditwithhishobnailedboots，Ishouldnothavefailedtoseewherehehadbeen；hehasleftmarksenoughinMademoiselle'schamber。"
Rouletabillerose。
"Whenwasthelasttimeyouwashedthesetiles？"heasked，andhefixedonDaddyJacquesamostsearchinglook。
"Why-asItoldyou-onthedayofthecrime，towardshalf-pastfive-whileMademoiselleandherfatherweretakingalittlewalkbeforedinner，hereinthisroom：theyhaddinedinthelaboratory。
Thenextday，theexaminingmagistratecameandsawallthemarkstherewereonthefloorasplainlyasiftheyhadbeenmadewithinkonwhitepaper。Well，neitherinthelaboratorynorinthevestibule，whichwerebothascleanasanewpin，werethereanytracesofaman'sfootmarks。Sincetheyhavebeenfoundnearthiswindowoutside，hemusthavemadehiswaythroughtheceilingofTheYellowRoomintotheattic，thencuthiswaythroughtheroofanddroppedtothegroundoutsidethevestibulewindow。But-there'snohole，neitherintheceilingofTheYellowRoomnorintheroofofmyattic-that'sabsolutelycertain！Soyouseeweknownothing-nothing！Andnothingwilleverbeknown！It'samysteryoftheDevil'sownmaking。"
Rouletabillewentdownuponhiskneesagainalmostinfrontofasmalllavatoryatthebackofthevestibule。Inthatpositionheremainedforaboutaminute。
"Well？"Iaskedhimwhenhegotup。
"Oh！nothingveryimportant，-adropofblood，"hereplied，turningtowardsDaddyJacquesashespoke。"Whileyouwerewashingthelaboratoryandthisvestibule，wasthevestibulewindowopen？"
heasked。
"No，Monsieur，itwasclosed；butafterIhaddonewashingthefloor，IlitsomecharcoalforMonsieurinthelaboratoryfurnace，and，asIlititwitholdnewspapers，itsmoked，soIopenedboththewindowsinthelaboratoryandthisone，tomakeacurrentofair；thenIshutthoseinthelaboratoryandleftthisoneopenwhenIwentout。WhenIreturnedtothepavilion，thiswindowhadbeenclosedandMonsieurandMademoisellewerealreadyatworkinthelaboratory。"
"MonsieurorMademoiselleStangersonhad，nodoubt，shutit？"
"Nodoubt。"
"Youdidnotaskthem？"
Afteraclosescrutinyofthelittlelavatoryandofthestaircaseleadinguptotheattic，Rouletabille-towhomweseemednolongertoexist-enteredthelaboratory。Ifollowedhim。Itwas，I
confess，inastateofgreatexcitement。RobertDarzaclostnoneofmyfriend'smovements。Asforme，myeyesweredrawnatoncetothedoorofTheYellowRoom。Itwasclosedand，asIimmediatelysaw，partiallyshatteredandoutofcommission。
Myfriend，whowentabouthisworkmethodically，silentlystudiedtheroominwhichwewere。Itwaslargeandwell-lighted。Twobigwindows-almostbays-wereprotectedbystrongironbarsandlookedoutuponawideextentofcountry。Throughanopeningintheforest，theycommandedawonderfulviewthroughthelengthofthevalleyandacrosstheplaintothelargetownwhichcouldbeclearlyseeninfairweather。To-day，however，amisthungovertheground-andbloodinthatroom！
Thewholeofonesideofthelaboratorywastakenupwithalargechimney，crucibles，ovens，andsuchimplementsasareneededforchemicalexperiments；tables，loadedwithphials，papers，reports，anelectricalmachine，-anapparatus，asMonsieurDarzacinformedme，employedbyProfessorStangersontodemonstratetheDissociationofMatterundertheactionofsolarlight-andotherscientificimplements。
Alongthewallswerecabinets，plainorglass-fronted，throughwhichwerevisiblemicroscopes，specialphotographicapparatus，andalargequantityofcrystals。
Rouletabille，whowasferretinginthechimney，puthisfingersintooneofthecrucibles。Suddenlyhedrewhimselfup，andheldupapieceofhalf-consumedpaperinhishand。Hesteppeduptowhereweweretalkingbyoneofthewindows。
"Keepthatforus，MonsieurDarzac，"hesaid。
IbentoverthepieceofscorchedpaperwhichMonsieurDarzactookfromthehandofRouletabille，andreaddistinctlytheonlywordsthatremainedlegible：
"Presbytery-lostnothing-charm，northegar-itsbrightness。"
Twicesincethemorningthesesamemeaninglesswordshadstruckme，and，forthesecondtime，IsawthattheyproducedontheSorbonneprofessorthesameparalysingeffect。MonsieurDarzac'sfirstanxietyshoweditselfwhenheturnedhiseyesinthedirectionofDaddyJacques。But，occupiedashewasatanotherwindow，hehadseennothing。Thentremblinglyopeninghispocket-bookheputthepieceofpaperintoit，sighing："MyGod！"
Duringthistime，Rouletabillehadmountedintotheopeningofthefire-grate-thatistosay，hehadgotuponthebricksofafurnace-andwasattentivelyexaminingthechimney，whichgrewnarrowertowardsthetop，theoutletfromitbeingclosedwithsheetsofiron，fastenedintothebrickwork，throughwhichpassedthreesmallchimneys。
"Impossibletogetoutthatway，"hesaid，jumpingbackintothelaboratory。"Besides，evenifhehadtriedtodoit，hewouldhavebroughtallthatironworkdowntotheground。No，no；itisnotonthatsidewehavetosearch。"
Rouletabillenextexaminedthefurnitureandopenedthedoorsofthecabinet。Thenhecametothewindows，throughwhichhedeclarednoonecouldpossiblyhavepassed。AtthesecondwindowhefoundDaddyJacquesincontemplation。
"Well，DaddyJacques，"hesaid，"whatareyoulookingat？"
"Thatpolicemanwhoisalwaysgoingroundandroundthelake。
Anotherofthosefellowswhothinktheycanseebetterthananybodyelse！"
"Youdon'tknowFredericLarsan，DaddyJacques，oryouwouldn'tspeakofhiminthatway，"saidRouletabilleinamelancholytone。
"Ifthereisanyonewhowillfindthemurderer，itwillbehe。"
AndRouletabilleheavedadeepsigh。
"Beforetheyfindhim，theywillhavetolearnhowtheylosthim，"
saidDaddyJacques，stolidly。
AtlengthwereachedthedoorofTheYellowRoomitself。
"Thereisthedoorbehindwhichsometerriblescenetookplace，"
saidRouletabille，withasolemnitywhich，underanyothercircumstances，wouldhavebeencomical。
CHAPTERVII
InWhichRouletabilleSetsOutonanExpeditionUndertheBedRouletabillehavingpushedopenthedoorofTheYellowRoompausedonthethresholdsaying，withanemotionwhichIonlylaterunderstood，"Ah，theperfumeoftheladyinblack！"
Thechamberwasdark。DaddyJacqueswasabouttoopentheblindswhenRouletabillestoppedhim。
"Didnotthetragedytakeplaceincompletedarkness？"heasked。
"No，youngman，Idon'tthinkso。Mademoisellealwayshadanightlightonhertable，andIlititeveryeveningbeforeshewenttobed。Iwasasortofchambermaid，youmustunderstand，whentheeveningcame。Therealchambermaiddidnotcomeheremuchbeforethemorning。Mademoiselleworkedlate-farintothenight。"
"Wheredidthetablewiththenight-lightstand，-farfromthebed？"
"Somewayfromthebed。"
"Canyoulighttheburnernow？"
"Thelampisbrokenandtheoilthatwasinitwasspilledwhenthetablewasupset。Alltherestofthethingsintheroomremainjustastheywere。Ihaveonlytoopentheblindsforyoutosee。"
"Wait。"
Rouletabillewentbackintothelaboratory，closedtheshuttersofthetwowindowsandthedoorofthevestibule。
Whenwewereincompletedarkness，helitawaxvesta，andaskedDaddyJacquestomovetothemiddleofthechamberwithittotheplacewherethenight-lightwasburningthatnight。
DaddyJacqueswhowasinhisstockings-heusuallylefthissabotsinthevestibule-enteredTheYellowRoomwithhisbitofavesta。
Wevaguelydistinguishedobjectsoverthrownonthefloor，abedinonecorner，and，infrontofus，totheleft，thegleamofalooking-glasshangingonthewall，neartothebed。
"Thatwilldo！-youmaynowopentheblinds，"saidRouletabille。
"Don'tcomeanyfurther，"DaddyJacquesbegged，"youmaymakemarkswithyourboots，andnothingmustbederanged；it'sanideaofthemagistrate's-thoughhehasnothingmoretodohere。"
Andhepushedopentheshutter。Thepaledaylightenteredfromwithout，throwingasinisterlightonthesaffron-colouredwalls。
Thefloor-forthoughthelaboratoryandthevestibuleweretiled，TheYellowRoomhadaflooringofwood-wascoveredwithasingleyellowmatwhichwaslargeenoughtocovernearlythewholeroom，underthebedandunderthedressing-table-theonlypieceoffurniturethatremainedupright。Thecentreroundtable，thenight-tableandtwochairshadbeenoverturned。Thesedidnotpreventalargestainofbloodbeingvisibleonthemat，made，asDaddyJacquesinformedus，bythebloodwhichhadflowedfromthewoundonMademoiselleStangerson'sforehead。Besidesthesestains，dropsofbloodhadfalleninalldirections，inlinewiththevisibletracesofthefootsteps-largeandblack-ofthemurderer。
Everythingledtothepresumptionthatthesedropsofbloodhadfallenfromthewoundofthemanwhohad，foramoment，placedhisredhandonthewall。Therewereothertracesofthesamehandonthewall，butmuchlessdistinct。
"See！-seethisbloodonthewall！"Icouldnothelpexclaiming。
"Themanwhopressedhishandsoheavilyuponitinthedarknessmustcertainlyhavethoughtthathewaspushingatadoor！That'swhyhepressedonitsohard，leavingontheyellowpapertheterribleevidence。Idon'tthinktherearemanyhandsintheworldofthatsort。Itisbigandstrongandthefingersarenearlyalloneaslongastheother！Thethumbiswantingandwehaveonlythemarkofthepalm；butifwefollowthetraceofthehand，"I
continued，"weseethat，afterleavingitsimprintonthewall，thetouchsoughtthedoor，foundit，andthenfeltforthelock-"
"Nodoubt，"interruptedRouletabille，chuckling，-"onlythereisnoblood，eitheronthelockoronthebolt！"
"Whatdoesthatprove？"IrejoinedwithagoodsenseofwhichIwasproud；"hemighthaveopenedthelockwithhislefthand，whichwouldhavebeenquitenatural，hisrighthandbeingwounded。"
"Hedidn'topenitatall！"DaddyJacquesagainexclaimed。"Wearenotfools；andtherewerefourofuswhenweburstopenthedoor！"
"Whataqueerhand！-Lookwhataqueerhanditis！"Isaid。
"Itisavery'naturalhand，"saidRouletabille，"ofwhichtheshapehasbeendeformedbyitshavingslippedonthewall。Themandriedhishandonthewall。Hemustbeamanaboutfivefeeteightinheight。"
"Howdoyoucomeatthat？"
"Bytheheightofthemarksonthewall。"
Myfriendnextoccupiedhimselfwiththemarkofthebulletinthewall。Itwasaroundhole。
"Thisballwasfiredstraight，notfromabove，andconsequently，notfrombelow。"
Rouletabillewentbacktothedoorandcarefullyexaminedthelockandthebolt，satisfyinghimselfthatthedoorhadcertainlybeenburstopenfromtheoutside，and，further，thatthekeyhadbeenfoundinthelockontheinsideofthechamber。Hefinallysatisfiedhimselfthatwiththekeyinthelock，thedoorcouldnotpossiblybeopenedfromwithoutwithanotherkey。Havingmadesureofallthesedetails，heletfallthesewords："That'sbetter！"-
Thensittingdownontheground，hehastilytookoffhisbootsand，inhissocks，wentintotheroom。
Thefirstthinghedidwastoexamineminutelytheoverturnedfurniture。Wewatchedhiminsilence。
"Youngfellow，youaregivingyourselfagreatdealoftrouble，"
saidDaddyJacquesironically。
Rouletabilleraisedhisheadandsaid：
"Youhavespokenthesimpletruth，DaddyJacques；yourmistressdidnothaveherhairinbandsthatevening。Iwasadonkeytohavebelievedshedid。"
Then，withthesupplenessofaserpent，heslippedunderthebed。
Presentlyweheardhimask：
"Atwhattime，MonsieurJacques，didMonsieurandMademoiselleStangersonarriveatthelaboratory？"
"Atsixo'clock。"
ThevoiceofRouletabillecontinued：
"Yes，-he'sbeenunderhere，-that'scertain；infact，therewasnowhereelsewherehecouldhavehiddenhimself。Here，too，arethemarksofhishobnails。Whenyouentered-allfourofyou-didyoulookunderthebed？"
"Atonce，-wedrewitrightoutofitsplace-"
"Andbetweenthemattresses？"
"Therewasonlyoneonthebed，andonthatMademoisellewasplaced；
andMonsieurStangersonandtheconciergeimmediatelycarrieditintothelaboratory。Underthemattresstherewasnothingbutthemetalnetting，whichcouldnotconcealanythingoranybody。
Remember，monsieur，thattherewerefourofusandwecouldn'tfailtoseeeverything-thechamberissosmallandscantilyfurnished，andallwaslockedbehindinthepavilion。"
Iventuredonahypothesis：
"Perhapshegotawaywiththemattress-inthemattress！-Anythingispossible，inthefaceofsuchamystery！IntheirdistressofmindMonsieurStangersonandtheconciergemaynothavenoticedtheywerebearingadoubleweight；especiallyiftheconciergewereanaccomplice！Ithrowoutthishypothesisforwhatitisworth，butitexplainsmanythings，-andparticularlythefactthatneitherthelaboratorynorthevestibulebearanytracesofthefootmarksfoundintheroom。If，incarryingMademoiselleonthemattressfromthelaboratoryofthechateau，theyrestedforamoment，theremighthavebeenanopportunityforthemaninittoescape。
"Andthen？"askedRouletabille，deliberatelylaughingunderthebed。
Ifeltrathervexedandreplied：
"Idon'tknow，-butanythingappearspossible"-
"Theexaminingmagistratehadthesameidea，monsieur，"saidDaddyJacques，"andhecarefullyexaminedthemattress。Hewasobligedtolaughattheidea，monsieur，asyourfriendisdoingnow，-forwhoeverheardofamattresshavingadoublebottom？"
Iwasmyselfobligedtolaugh，onseeingthatwhatIhadsaidwasabsurd；butinanaffairlikethisonehardlyknowswhereanabsurditybeginsorends。
Myfriendaloneseemedabletotalkintelligently。Hecalledoutfromunderthebed。
"Thematherehasbeenmovedoutofplace，-whodidit？"
"Wedid，monsieur，"explainedDaddyJacques。"Whenwecouldnotfindtheassassin，weaskedourselveswhethertherewasnotsomeholeinthefloor-"
"Thereisnot，"repliedRouletabille。"Isthereacellar？"
"No，there'snocellar。Butthathasnotstoppedoursearching，andhasnotpreventedtheexaminingmagistrateandhisRegistrarfromstudyingthefloorplankbyplank，asiftherehadbeenacellarunderit。"
Thereporterthenreappeared。Hiseyesweresparklingandhisnostrilsquivered。Heremainedonhishandsandknees。Hecouldnotbebetterlikenedthantoanadmirablesportingdogonthescentofsomeunusualgame。And，indeed，hewasscentingthestepsofaman，-themanwhomhehassworntoreporttohismaster，themanagerofthe"Epoque。"ItmustnotbeforgottenthatRouletabillewasfirstandlastajournalist。
Thus，onhishandsandknees，hemadehiswaytothefourcornersoftheroom，sotospeak，sniffingandgoingroundeverything-everythingthatwecouldsee，whichwasnotmuch，andeverythingthatwecouldnotsee，whichmusthavebeeninfinite。
Thetoilettetablewasasimpletablestandingonfourlegs；therewasnothingaboutitbywhichitcouldpossiblybechangedintoatemporaryhiding-place。Therewasnotaclosetorcupboard。
MademoiselleStangersonkeptherwardrobeatthechateau。
Rouletabilleliterallypassedhisnoseandhandsalongthewalls，constructedofsolidbrickwork。Whenhehadfinishedwiththewalls，andpassedhisagilefingersovereveryportionoftheyellowpapercoveringthem，hereachedtotheceiling，whichhewasabletotouchbymountingonachairplacedonthetoilettetable，andbymovingthisingeniouslyconstructedstagefromplacetoplaceheexaminedeveryfootofit。Whenhehadfinishedhisscrutinyoftheceiling，wherehecarefullyexaminedtheholemadebythesecondbullet，heapproachedthewindow，and，oncemore，examinedtheironbarsandblinds，allofwhichweresolidandintact。Atlast，hegaveagruntofsatisfactionanddeclared"NowIamatease！"
"Well，-doyoubelievethatthepoordearyoungladywasshutupwhenshewasbeingmurdered-whenshecriedoutforhelp？"wailedDaddyJacques。
"Yes，"saidtheyoungreporter，dryinghisforehead，"TheYellowRoomwasastightlyshutasanironsafe。"
"That，"Isaid，"iswhythismysteryisthemostsurprisingIknow。
EdgarAllanPoe，in'TheMurdersintheRueMorgue，'inventednothinglikeit。Theplaceofthatcrimewassufficientlyclosedtopreventtheescapeofaman；buttherewasthatwindowthroughwhichthemonkey，theperpetratorofthemurder，couldslipaway！
Buthere，therecanbenoquestionofanopeningofanysort。Thedoorwasfastened，andthroughthewindowblinds，secureastheywere，notevenaflycouldenterorgetout。"
"True，true，"assentedRouletabilleashekeptondryinghisforehead，whichseemedtobeperspiringlessfromhisrecentbodilyexertionthanfromhismentalagitation。"Indeed，it'sagreat，abeautiful，andaverycuriousmystery。"
"TheBetedubonDieu，"mutteredDaddyJacques，"theBetedubonDieuherself，ifshehadcommittedthecrime，couldnothaveescaped。
Listen！Doyouhearit？Hush！"
DaddyJacquesmadeusasigntokeepquietand，stretchinghisarmtowardsthewailnearesttheforest，listenedtosomethingwhichwecouldnothear。
"It'sanswering，"hesaidatlength。"Imustkillit。Itistoowicked，butit'stheBetedubonDieu，and，everynight，itgoestoprayonthetombofSainte-Genevieveandnobodydarestotouchher，forfearthatMotherAngenouxshouldcastanevilspellonthem。"
"HowbigistheBetedubonDieu？"
"Nearlyasbigasasmallretriever，-amonster，Itellyou。Ah！-
IhaveaskedmyselfmorethanoncewhetheritwasnotherthattookourpoorMademoisellebythethroatwithherclaws。ButtheBetedubonDieudoesnotwearhobnailedboots，norfirerevolvers，norhassheahandlikethat！"exclaimedDaddyJacques，againpointingouttoustheredmarkonthewall。"Besides，weshouldhaveseenheraswellaswewouldhaveseenaman-"
"Evidently，"Isaid。"BeforewehadseenthisYellowRoom，IhadalsoaskedmyselfwhetherthecatofMotherAngenoux-"
"Youalso！"criedRouletabille。
"Didn'tyou？"Iasked。
"Notforamoment。Afterreadingthearticleinthe'Matin，'Iknewthatacathadnothingtodowiththematter。ButIswearnowthatafrightfultragedyhasbeenenactedhere。YousaynothingabouttheBasquecap，orthehandkerchief，foundhere，DaddyJacques？"
"Ofcourse，themagistratehastakenthem，"theoldmananswered，hesitatingly。
"Ihaven'tseeneitherthehandkerchieforthecap，yetIcantellyouhowtheyaremade，"thereportersaidtohimgravely。
"Oh，youareveryclever，"saidDaddyJacques，coughingandembarrassed。
"Thehandkerchiefisalargeone，bluewithredstripesandthecapisanoldBasquecap，liketheoneyouarewearingnow。"
"Youareawizard！"saidDaddyJacques，tryingtolaughandnotquitesucceeding。"Howdoyouknowthatthehandkerchiefisbluewithredstripes？"
"Because，ifithadnotbeenbluewithredstripes，itwouldnothavebeenfoundatall。"
WithoutgivinganyfurtherattentiontoDaddyJacques，myfriendtookapieceofpaperfromhispocket，andtakingoutapairofscissors，bentoverthefootprints。Placingthepaperoveroneofthemhebegantocut。Inashorttimehehadmadeaperfectpatternwhichhehandedtome，beggingmenottoloseit。
Hethenreturnedtothewindowand，pointingtothefigureofFredericLarsan，whohadnotquittedthesideofthelake，askedDaddyJacqueswhetherthedetectivehad，likehimself，beenworkinginTheYellowRoom？
"No，"repliedRobertDarzac，who，sinceRouletabillehadhandedhimthepieceofscorchedpaper，hadnotutteredaword，"HepretendsthathedoesnotneedtoexamineTheYellowRoom。Hesaysthatthemurderermadehisescapefromitinquiteanaturalway，andthathewill，thisevening，explainhowhedidit。"
AshelistenedtowhatMonsieurDarzachadtosay，Rouletabilleturnedpale。
"HasFredericLarsanfoundoutthetruth，whichIcanonlyguessat？"hemurmured。"Heisveryclever-veryclever-andIadmirehim。Butwhatwehavetodoto-dayissomethingmorethantheworkofapoliceman，somethingquitedifferentfromtheteachingsofexperience。Wehavetotakeholdofourreasonbytherightend。"
Thereporterrushedintotheopenair，agitatedbythethoughtthatthegreatandfamousFredmightanticipatehiminthesolutionoftheproblemofTheYellowRoom。
Imanagedtoreachhimonthethresholdofthepavilion。"Calmyourself，mydearfellow，"Isaid。"Aren'tyousatisfied？"
"Yes，"heconfessedtome，withadeepsigh。"Iamquitesatisfied。
Ihavediscoveredmanythings。"
"Moralormaterial？"
"Severalmoral，-onematerial。This，forexample。"
Andrapidlyhedrewfromhiswaistcoatpocketapieceofpaperinwhichhehadplacedalight-colouredhairfromawoman'shead。
CHAPTERVIII
TheExaminingMagistrateQuestionsMademoiselleStangersonTwominuteslater，asRouletabillewasbendingoverthefootprintsdiscoveredinthepark，underthewindowofthevestibule，aman，evidentlyaservantatthechateau，cametowardsusrapidlyandcalledouttoMonsieurDarzacthencomingoutofthepavilion：
"MonsieurRobert，themagistrate，youknow，isquestioningMademoiselle。"
MonsieurDarzacutteredamutteredexcusetousandsetoffrunningtowardsthechateau，themanrunningafterhim。
"Ifthecorpsecanspeak，"Isaid，"itwouldbeinterestingtobethere。"
"Wemustknow，"saidmyfriend。"Let'sgotothechateau。"Andhedrewmewithhim。But，atthechateau，agendarmeplacedinthevestibuledeniedusadmissionupthestaircaseofthefirstfloor。
Wewereobligedtowaitdownstairs。
Thisiswhatpassedinthechamberofthevictimwhilewewerewaitingbelow。
Thefamilydoctor，findingthatMademoiselleStangersonwasmuchbetter，butfearingarelapsewhichwouldnolongerpermitofherbeingquestioned，hadthoughtithisdutytoinformtheexaminingmagistrateofthis，whodecidedtoproceedimmediatelywithabriefexamination。Atthisexamination，theRegistrar，MonsieurStangerson，andthedoctorwerepresent。Later，Iobtainedthetextofthereportoftheexamination，andIgiveithere，inallitslegaldryness：
"Question。Areyouable，mademoiselle，withouttoomuchfatiguingyourself，togivesomenecessarydetailsofthefrightfulattackofwhichyouhavebeenthevictim？
"Answer。Ifeelmuchbetter，monsieur，andIwilltellyouallI
know。WhenIenteredmychamberIdidnotnoticeanythingunusualthere。
"Q。Excuseme，mademoiselle，-ifyouwillallowme，Iwillaskyousomequestionsandyouwillanswerthem。Thatwillfatigueyoulessthanmakingalongrecital。
"A。Doso，monsieur。
"Q。Whatdidyoudoonthatday？-Iwantyoutobeasminuteandpreciseaspossible。Iwishtoknowallyoudidthatday，ifitisnotaskingtoomuchofyou。
"A。Iroselate，atteno'clock，formyfatherandIhadreturnedhomelateonthenightpreviously，havingbeentodinneratthereceptiongivenbythePresidentoftheRepublic，inhonouroftheAcademyofScienceofPhiladelphia。WhenIleftmychamber，athalf-pastten，myfatherwasalreadyatworkinthelaboratory。Weworkedtogethertillmidday。Wethentookhalf-an-hour'swalkinthepark，aswewereaccustomedtodo，beforebreakfastingatthechateau。Afterbreakfast，wetookanotherwalkforhalfanhour，andthenreturnedtothelaboratory。Therewefoundmychambermaid，whohadcometosetmyroominorder。IwentintoTheYellowRoomtogivehersomeslightordersandshedirectlyafterwardsleftthepavilion，andIresumedmyworkwithmyfather。Atfiveo'clock，weagainwentforawalkintheparkandafterwardhadtea。
"Q。Beforeleavingthepavilionatfiveo'clock，didyougointoyourchamber？
"A。No，monsieur，myfatherwentintoit，atmyrequesttobringmemyhat。
"Q。Andhefoundnothingsuspiciousthere？
"A。Evidentlyno，monsieur。
"0。Itis，then，almostcertainthatthemurdererwasnotyetconcealedunderthebed。Whenyouwentout，wasthedooroftheroomlocked？
"A。No，therewasnoreasonforlockingit。
"Q。Youwereabsentfromthepavilionsomelengthoftime，MonsieurStangersonandyou？
"A。Aboutanhour。
"Q。Itwasduringthathour，nodoubt，thatthemurderergotintothepavilion。Buthow？Nobodyknows。Footmarkshavebeenfoundinthepark，leadingawayfromthewindowofthevestibule，butnonehasbeenfoundgoingtowardsit。Didyounoticewhetherthevestibulewindowwasopenwhenyouwentout？
"A。Idon'tremember。
"MonsieurStangerson。Itwasclosed。
"Q。Andwhenyoureturned？
"MademoiselleStangerson。Ididnotnotice。
"M。Stangerson。Itwasstillclosed。Irememberremarkingaloud：
'DaddyJacquesmustsurelyhaveopeneditwhilewewereaway。'
"Q。Strange！-Doyourecollect，MonsieurStangerson，ifduringyourabsence，andbeforegoingout，hehadopenedit？Youreturnedtothelaboratoryatsixo'clockandresumedwork？
"MademoiselleStangerson。Yes，monsieur。
"Q。Andyoudidnotleavethelaboratoryfromthathouruptothemomentwhenyouenteredyourchamber？
"M。Stangerson。NeithermydaughternorI，monsieur。Wewereengagedonworkthatwaspressing，andwelostnotamoment，-neglectingeverythingelseonthataccount。
"Q。Didyoudineinthelaboratory？
"A。Forthatreason。
"Q。Areyouaccustomedtodineinthelaboratory？
"A。Werarelydinethere。
"Q。Couldthemurdererhaveknownthatyouwoulddinetherethatevening？
"M。Stangerson。GoodHeavens！-Ithinknot。Itwasonlywhenwereturnedtothepavilionatsixo'clock，thatwedecided，mydaughterandI，todinethere。AtthatmomentIwasspokentobymygamekeeper，whodetainedmeamoment，toaskmetoaccompanyhimonanurgenttourofinspectioninapartofthewoodswhichI
haddecidedtothin。Iputthisoffuntilthenextday，andbeggedhim，ashewasgoingbythechateau，totellthestewardthatweshoulddineinthelaboratory。Heleftme，toexecutetheerrandandIrejoinedmydaughter，whowasalreadyatwork。
"Q。Atwhathour，mademoiselle，didyougotoyourchamberwhileyourfathercontinuedtoworkthere？
"A。Atmidnight。
"Q。DidDaddyJacquesenterTheYellowRoominthecourseoftheevening？
"A。Toshuttheblindsandlightthenight-light。
"Q。Hesawnothingsuspicious？
"A。Hewouldhavetoldusifhehadseen。DaddyJacquesisanhonestmanandveryattachedtome。
"Q。Youaffirm，MonsieurStangerson，thatDaddyJacquesremainedwithyouallthetimeyouwereinthelaboratory？
"M。Stangerson。Iamsureofit。Ihavenodoubtofthat。
"Q。Whenyouenteredyourchamber，mademoiselle，youimmediatelyshutthedoorandlockedandboltedit？Thatwastakingunusualprecautions，knowingthatyourfatherandyourservantwerethere？
Wereyouinfearofsomething，then？
"A。MyfatherwouldbereturningtothechateauandDaddyJacqueswouldbegoingtohisbed。And，infact，Ididfearsomething。
"Q。YouweresomuchinfearofsomethingthatyouborrowedDaddyJacques'srevolverwithouttellinghimyouhaddoneso？
"A。Thatistrue。Ididnotwishtoalarmanybody，-themore，becausemyfearsmighthaveprovedtohavebeenfoolish。
"Q。Whatwasityoufeared？
"A。Ihardlyknowhowtotellyou。Forseveralnights，Iseemedtohear，bothintheparkandoutofthepark，roundthepavilion，unusualsounds，sometimesfootsteps，atothertimesthecrackingofbranches。Thenightbeforetheattackonme，whenIdidnotgettobedbeforethreeo'clockinthemorning，onourreturnfromtheElysee，Istoodforamomentbeforemywindow，andIfeltsureIsawshadows。
"Q。Howmany？
"A。Two。Theymovedroundthelake，-thenthemoonbecamecloudedandIlostsightofthem。Atthistimeoftheseason，everyyear，I
havegenerallyreturnedtomyapartmentinthechateauforthewinter；butthisyearIsaidtomyselfthatIwouldnotquitthepavilionbeforemyfatherhadfinishedtheresumeofhisworksonthe'DissociationofMatter'fortheAcademy。Ididnotwishthatthatimportantwork，whichwastohavebeenfinishedinthecourseofafewdays，shouldbedelayedbyachangeinourdailyhabit。
YoucanwellunderstandthatIdidnotwishtospeakofmychildishfearstomyfather，nordidIsayanythingtoDaddyJacqueswho，I
knew，wouldnothavebeenabletoholdhistongue。Knowingthathehadarevolverinhisroom，Itookadvantageofhisabsenceandborrowedit，placingitinthedrawerofmynight-table。
"Q。Youknowofnoenemiesyouhave？
"A。None。
"Q。Youunderstand，mademoiselle，thattheseprecautionsarecalculatedtocausesurprise？
"M。Stangerson。Evidently，mychild，suchprecautionsareverysurprising。
"A。No；-becauseIhavetoldyouthatIhadbeenuneasyfortwonights。
"M。Stangerson。Yououghttohavetoldmeofthat！Thismisfortunewouldhavebeenavoided。
"Q。ThedoorofTheYellowRoomlocked，didyougotobed？
"A。Yes，and，beingverytired，Iatoncewenttosleep。
"Q。Thenight-lightwasstillburning？
"A。Yes，butitgaveaveryfeeblelight。
"Q。Then，mademoiselle，telluswhathappened。
"A。IdonotknowwhetherIhadbeenlongasleep，butsuddenlyI
awoke-andutteredaloudcry。
"M。Stangerson。Yes-ahorriblecry-'Murder！'-Itstillringsinmyears。
"Q。Youutteredaloudcry？
"A。Amanwasinmychamber。Hesprangatmeandtriedtostrangleme。IwasnearlystifledwhensuddenlyIwasabletoreachthedrawerofmynight-tableandgrasptherevolverwhichIhadplacedinit。Atthatmomentthemanhadforcedmetothefootofmybedandbrandishedinovermyheadasortofmace。ButIhadfired。Heimmediatelystruckaterribleblowatmyhead。
Allthat，monsieur，passedmorerapidlythanIcantellit，andIknownothingmore。
"Q。Nothing？-Haveyounoideaastohowtheassassincouldescapefromyourchamber？
"A。Nonewhatever-Iknownothingmore。Onedoesnotknowwhatispassingaroundone，whenoneisunconscious。
"Q。Wasthemanyousawtallorshort，littleorbig？
"A。Ionlysawashadowwhichappearedtomeformidable。
"Q。Youcannotgiveusanyindication？
"A。Iknownothingmore，monsieur，thanthatamanthrewhimselfuponmeandthatIfiredathim。Iknownothingmore。"
HeretheinterrogationofMademoiselleStangersonconcluded。
RouletabillewaitedpatientlyforMonsieurRobertDarzac，whosoonappeared。
>FromaroomnearthechamberofMademoiselleStangerson，hehadheardtheinterrogatoryandnowcametorecountittomyfriendwithgreatexactitude，aidedbyanexcellentmemory。Hisdocilitystillsurprisedme。Thankstohastypencil-notes，hewasabletoreproduce，almosttextually，thequestionsandtheanswersgiven。
ItlookedasifMonsieurDarzacwerebeingemployedasthesecretaryofmyyoungfriendandactedasifhecouldrefusehimnothing；nay，more，asifunderacompulsiontodoso。
Thefactoftheclosedwindowstruckthereporterasithadstruckthemagistrate。RouletabilleaskedDarzactorepeatoncemoreMademoiselleStangerson'saccountofhowsheandherfatherhadspenttheirtimeonthedayofthetragedy，asshehadstatedittothemagistrate。Thecircumstanceofthedinnerinthelaboratoryseemedtointeresthiminthehighestdegree；andhehaditrepeatedtohimthreetimes。Healsowantedtobesurethattheforest-keeperknewthattheprofessorandhisdaughterweregoingtodineinthelaboratory，andhowhehadcometoknowit。
WhenMonsieurDarzachadfinished，Isaid："Theexaminationhasnotadvancedtheproblemmuch。"
"Ithasputitback，"saidMonsieurDarzac。
"Ithasthrownlightuponit，"saidRouletabille，thoughtfully。