"As for the talc mask and the black moustache, that is not much to help us, it is true." He looked at Ricardo's crestfallen face and smiled.

"We might arrest our good friend M.Ricardo upon that evidence, but no one else that I know." Hanaud laughed immoderately at his joke.

He alone seemed to feel no disappointment at Perrichet's oversight.

Ricardo was a little touchy on the subject of his personal appearance, and bridled visibly.

Hanaud turned towards Servettaz.
"Now," he said, "you know how much petrol was taken from the garage ?" "Yes, monsieur." "Can you tell me, by the amount which has been used, how far that car was driven last night ?" Hanaud asked.
Servettaz examined the tank.
"A long way, monsieur.