f the
profound impression caused by the double crimes recently committed on
the persons of Madame de Vibray and the Princess Sonia Danidoff?"

"It is true, monsieur, that I have followed, in the papers, the account
of the investigations regarding them: but, in what way?..."

"Does it concern you?" finished Fandor. "Good heavens, monsieur, is it
not a fact that the Baroness de Vibray was your client? And were you not
present at Monsieur Thomery's ball?"

"That is so, monsieur; but if you are hoping that I can supply you with
further details than those already published, you will be disappointed.
I myself have learned a good deal about these crimes only from reading
your articles, monsieur."

"Can you confirm the statement that Madame de Vibray was ruined?"

"I do not think I am betraying a professional secret if I say that
Madame de Vibray had had very heavy losses quite recently."

"And Princess Sonia Danidoff?"

"I do not think she is one of our clients."

"You do not think so?"

"But, monsieur, you cannot suppose that we know all our clients? Our
business is a very extensive one, and neither Nanteuil, nor I, could
possibly know the names of all those who do business with us."

"You know the name of Jacques Dollon?"

"Yes. I knew young Dollon. He was introduced to me by Madame de Vibray,
who asked me to give him a helping hand, and I willingly did so. I can
only regret now that my confidence was so ill placed."

"Do you believe him guilty then?... Not really?"

"I certainly do!... So do all your readers, monsieur. Is that not so?"

But, whilst Monsieur Barbey was regarding Fandor with some astonishment
because of his half-avowal, that he himself was not sure of Dollon's
guilt, the door was flung open with violence, and Monsieur Nanteuil, out
of breath, looking thoroughly upset, rushed into the room, followed by
five or six men unknown to Jerome Fandor, and showing traces of fatigue
and emotion also.

"Good Heavens! What is it?" cried Monsieur Barbey, rising to meet his
partner....

"The matter is," cried Monsieur Nanteuil, "that an abominable robbery
has just been committed...."

"Where?"

"Rue du Quatre Septembre!..." Still panting, he began to give
details....

Fandor did not wait to hear more. He rushed from the Barbey-Nanteuil
bank and made for the place de l'Opera at top speed.

In consequence of the extraordinary occurrence which Monsieur Nanteuil
had hastened to report to his partner, a