Acting as a means of communication between the row of front rooms and those at the back, they also serve to exhibit certain choice articles which call for little space, and are of a nature more or less ornamental.

For this purpose they are each divided into five sections connected by arches narrower but not less decorative than those which open in a direct row upon the court.

Of these sections the middle one on either side is much larger than the rest; otherwise they do not differ.
It was in the midst of this larger section that Correy now stood, awaiting their approach.

There had been show-cases filled with rare exhibits in the two through which they had just passed, but in this one there was nothing to be seen but a gorgeous hanging, covering very nearly the whole wall, flanked at either end by a pedestal upholding a vase of inestimable value and corresponding ugliness.

A highly decorative arrangement, it is true, but in what lay its interest for the criminal investigator?
Correy was soon to show them.