And, after telling the whole story, under the promise of secrecy, to Gabriel and Mercier, they put the twenty thousand francs into the envelope and without asking for explanations, handed it to Mme.

Giry, who had been reinstated in her functions.

The box-keeper displayed no astonishment.

I need hardly say that she was well watched.

She went straight to the ghost's box and placed the precious envelope on the little shelf attached to the ledge.