"I believe, or at least my fiancee does, that M.Gournay-Martin keeps the most precious thing in his collection in that safe--the coronet." "What! the famous coronet of the Princesse de Lamballe ?" said M.
Formery.
"Yes," said the Duke.
"But according to your report, inspector, the letter signed 'Lupin' announced that he was going to steal the coronet also." "It did--in so many words," said the Duke.
"Well, here is a further proof that we're not dealing with Lupin.

That rascal would certainly have put his threat into execution, M.Formery," said the inspector.
"Who's in charge of the house ?" said M.Formery.
"The concierge, his wife, and a housekeeper--a woman named Victoire," said the inspector.
"I'll see to the concierge and his wife presently.

I've sent one of your men round for their dossier.

When I get it I'll question them.

You found them gagged and bound in their bedroom ?" "Yes, M.Formery; and always this imitation of Lupin--a yellow gag, blue cords, and the motto, 'I take, therefore I am,' on a scrap of cardboard--his usual bag of tricks." "Then once again they're going to touch us up in the papers.