AT THE VILLA The drive curved between trees and high bushes towards the back of the house, and as the party advanced along it a small, trim, soldier-like man, with a pointed beard, came to meet them.

It was the man who had looked out from the window, Louis Besnard, the Commissaire of Police.
"You are coming, then, to help us, M.Hanaud!" he cried, extending his hands.

"You will find no jealousy here; no spirit amongst us of anything but good will; no desire except one to carry out your suggestions.

All we wish is that the murderers should be discovered.
Mon Dieu, what a crime! And so young a girl to be involved in it! But what will you ?" "So you have already made your mind up on that point!" said Hanaud sharply.
The Commissaire shrugged his shoulders.
"Examine the villa and then judge for yourself whether any other explanation is conceivable," he said; and turning, he waved his hand towards the house.

Then he cried, "Ah!" and drew himself into an attitude of attention.