And you were seized from behind on the landing, and brought in here," said Guerchard.
"Yes, that's right," said Madame Victoire.
"And were you tied up and gagged on the landing, or in here ?" said Guerchard.
"Oh, I was caught on the landing, and pushed in here, and then tied up," said Victoire.
"I'm sure that wasn't one man's job," said Guerchard, looking at her vigorous figure with admiring eyes.
"You may be sure of that," said Victoire.

"It took four of them; and at least two of them have some nice bruises on their shins to show for it." "I'm sure they have.

And it serves them jolly well right," said Guerchard, in a tone of warm approval.

"And, I suppose, while those four were tying you up the others stood round and looked on." "Oh, no, they were far too busy for that," said Victoire.
"What were they doing ?" said Guerchard.
"They were taking the pictures off the walls and carrying them out of the window down the ladder," said Victoire.
Guerchard's eyes flickered towards the Duke, but the expression of earnest inquiry on his face never changed.
"Now, tell me, did the man who took a picture from the walls carry it down the ladder himself, or did he hand it through the window to a man who was standing on the top of a ladder ready to receive it ?" he said.
Victoire paused as if to recall their action; then she said, "Oh, he got through the window, and carried it down the ladder himself." "You're sure of that ?" said Guerchard.
"Oh, yes, I am quite sure of it--why should I deceive you, Mr.
Inspector ?" said Victoire quickly; and the Duke saw the first shadow of uneasiness on her face.
"Of course not," said Guerchard.

"And where were you ?" "Oh, they put me behind the screen." "No, no, where were you when you came into the room ?" "I was against the door," said Victoire.
"And where was the screen ?" said Guerchard.