"But the two questions which are most important, which alone can lead us to the truth--how do they come to be omitted from your list, Mr.Ricardo ?" Hanaud put the question with his most serious air.

But Ricardo was none the less sensible of the raillery behind the solemn manner.

He flushed and made no answer.
"Still," continued Hanaud, "here are undoubtedly some questions.

Let us consider them! Who was the man who took a part in the crime?
Ah, if we only knew that, what a lot of trouble we should save ourselves! Who was the woman?
What a good thing it would be to know that too! How clearly, after all, Mr.Ricardo puts his finger on the important points! What did actually happen in the salon ?" And as he quoted that question the raillery died out of his voice.

He leaned his elbows on the table and bent forward.
"What did actually happen in that little pretty room, just twelve hours ago ?" he repeated.