From her attitude it seemed to Caron as if she were intentioned--probably she had been instructed--to remain there while he obtained what he sought.

Now he had no mind that she should see him making his quest among the wasted papers on the floor, and so: "I shall not be more than a few minutes," he announced quietly.

"I will call you when I am ready to depart." Thus uncompromisingly dismissed, she did not venture to remain, and, passing in, La Boulaye closed the door.

As great as had been his deliberation hitherto was now the feverish haste with which he crossed to the spot where he had seen the document flung.

He caught up a crumpled sheet and opened it out It was not the thing he sought.