CHAPTER IX.
M.FORMERY OPENS THE INQUIRY The examining magistrate came into the room.

He was a plump and pink little man, with very bright eyes.

His bristly hair stood up straight all over his head, giving it the appearance of a broad, dapple-grey clothes-brush.

He appeared to be of the opinion that Nature had given the world the toothbrush as a model of what a moustache should be; and his own was clipped to that pattern.
"The Duke of Charmerace, M.Formery," said the inspector.
The little man bowed and said, "Charmed, charmed to make your acquaintance, your Grace--though the occasion--the occasion is somewhat painful.

The treasures of M.Gournay-Martin are known to all the world.
France will deplore his losses." He paused, and added hastily, "But we shall recover them--we shall recover them." The Duke rose, bowed, and protested his pleasure at making the acquaintance of M.Formery.
"Is this the scene of the robbery, inspector ?" said M.Formery; and he rubbed his hands together with a very cheerful air.
"Yes, sir," said the inspector.