The rogues say that they can prove everything." "Have you the letter with you ?" De Clinchain drew the missive from his pocket.

It was to the full as threatening as he had said; but M.de Mussidan knew all its contents beforehand.
"Have you examined your diary, and are the three leaves really missing ?" "They are." "How were they stolen?
Are you sure of your servants ?" "Certainly; my valet has been sixteen years in my service.

You know Lorin?
The volumes of my diary are always locked up in the escritoire, the key of which never leaves me.

And none of the other servants ever enter my room." "Some one must have done so, however." Clinchain struck his forehead, as though an idea had suddenly flashed across his brain.
"I can partly guess," said he.

"Some time ago Lorin went for a holiday, and got drunk with some fellows he picked up in the train.