"Chief-Inspector Guerchard, head of the Detective Department--the Duke of Charmerace." The Duke shook hands with Guerchard, saying, "I'm delighted to make your acquaintance, M.Guerchard.

I've been expecting your coming with the greatest interest.

Indeed it was I who begged the officials at the Prefecture of Police to put this case in your hands.

I insisted on it." "What were you doing on that ladder ?" said M.Formery, giving Guerchard no time to reply to the Duke.
"I was listening," said Guerchard simply--"listening.

I like to hear people talk when I'm engaged on a case.