And so the state of the car is explained.

It was a bold step to bring that car back--yes, a bold and desperate step.

But a clever one.

For, if it had succeeded, we should have known nothing of their movements--oh, but nothing--nothing.

Ah! I tell you this is no ordinary blundering affair.
They are clever people who devised this crime--clever, and of an audacity which is surprising." Then Hanaud lit another cigarette.
Mr.Ricardo, on the other hand, could hardly continue to smoke for excitement.
"I cannot understand your calmness," he exclaimed.
"No ?" said Hanaud.