The clock on the mantel-shelf struck half-past four. The magistrate and
Mademoiselle Marguerite could hear stealthy footsteps in the hall, and
a rustling near the door. The servants were prowling round about the
study, wondering what was the reason of this prolonged conference. "I
must see how the clerk is progressing with the inventory." said the
magistrate. "Excuse me if I absent myself for a moment; I will soon
return." And so saying he rose and left the room.

But it was only a pretext. He really wished to conceal his emotion
and regain his composure, for he had been deeply affected by the young
girl's narrative. He also needed time for reflection, for the situation
had become extremely complicated since Mademoiselle Marguerite had
informed him of the existence of heirs--of those mysterious enemies who
had poisoned the count's peace. These persons would, of course, require
to know what had become of the millions deposited in the escritoire,
and who would be held accountable for the missing treasure? Mademoiselle
Marguerite, unquestionably. Such were the thoughts that flitted through
the magistrate's mind as he listened to his clerk's report. Nor was this
all; for having solicited Mademoiselle Marguerite's confidence, he must
now advise her. And this was a matter of some difficulty.

However, when he returned to the study he was quite self-possessed
and impassive again, and he was pleased to see that on her side the
unfortunate girl had, to some extent, at least, recovered her wonted
composure. "Let us now discuss the situation calmly," he began. "I shall
convince you that your prospects are not so frightful as you imagine.
But before speaking of the future, will you allow me to refer to the
past?" The girl bowed her consent. "Let us first of all consider the
subject of the missing millions. They were certainly in the escritoire
when M. de Chalusse replaced the vial; but now they are not to be found,
so that the count must have taken them away with him."

"That thought occurred to me also."

"Did the treasure form a large package?"

"Yes, it was large; but it could have been easily concealed under the
cloak which M. de Chalusse wore."

"Very good! What was the time when he left the house?"

"About five o'clock."

"When was he brought back?"

"At about half-past six."

"Where did the cabman pick him up?"

"Near the church of Notre Dame de Lorette, so he told me."

"Do you know the driver's number?"