Were there any imprints of footsteps, M.Commissary ?" "I must confess we never thought of looking for them." "Ah!" exclaimed the chief detective, in a tone of irritation, "that is vexatious!" "Wait," added the commissary; "there is yet time to see if there are any, not in this room, but in the other.

We have disturbed absolutely nothing there.

My footsteps and the corporal's will be easily distinguished.

Let us see." As the commissary opened the door of the second chamber, Gevrol stopped him.

"I ask permission, sir," said he to the investigating magistrate, "to examine the apartment before any one else is permitted to enter.