There was no reason for this; he had ample means, and always appeared contented and happy.

Then it was believed that a murder had been committed, and fresh inquiries were instituted, but nothing could be discovered--nothing." The Countess affected to stifle a yawn, and repeated like an echo, "Nothing." "Three months later, when the police had given up the matter in despair, one of George de Croisenois' friends received a letter from him." "He was not dead then, after all ?" Dr.Hortebise made a mental note of the tone and manner of the Countess, to consider over at his leisure.
"Who can say ?" returned he.

"The envelope bore the Cairo post-mark.

In it George declared that, bored with Parisian life, he was going to start on an exploring expedition to Central Africa, and that no one need be anxious about him.

People thought this letter highly suspicious.