fallen, but full of angry resolve, Jerome Fandor turned his back on
the convent.

XV

VAGUE SUSPICIONS

Fandor was talking to himself--an inveterate habit of his--as he sat in
the cab which was carrying him to the Palais de Justice.

"Beyond question, I ought to have examined that paper they have stolen
from Mademoiselle Elizabeth. I should have looked through it at the
first opportunity. That sequence of names; those dates, which seem to
almost coincide with the different criminal attempts, probably relate to
the mysterious plan which the assassins are carrying out
systematically.... But, that means there are to be more victims, and we
shall witness fresh tragedies!... I am not at all easy about Elizabeth
either!... Who the deuce could have telephoned to her at the convent?...
Perhaps what I am going to do is stupid, but no chance must be
neglected.... I wonder if I shall learn anything worth knowing at the
court to-day?...

"When they arrested these smugglers, five months ago, I recollect
perfectly that Monsieur Thomery's name was mentioned in connection with
the business.... If I only held the connecting link of interest in my
hands, which would make it clear why all these people--Jacques Dollon,
the Baroness de Vibray, Princess Sonia Danidoff, Barbey-Nanteuil, and
even Elizabeth Dollon--have been the victims of the horrible band I am
pursuing.... The motive? Evidently robbery! But there must be some other
reason, for--and it is a significant fact--all these people know one
another, meet one another, or at least are either clients of the
Barbey-Nanteuil bank, or are friends of Monsieur Thomery.... It's the
devil's own mystery!"

* * * * *

Jerome Fandor had arrived at the Palais de Justice. He crossed the great
hall des Pas-Perdus and entered the Assize Court.

* * * * *

The trial of the Cooper and his accomplices was a small affair, and had
not attracted many listeners, for these smuggling and coining cases were
apt to be dull. As a matter of fact, there would not have been a soul
present, if the accused had not had the most popular of counsels to
defend them--Maitre Henri Robart!

Fandor joined a group who were on familiar terms evidently, and,
although he had not seen her for many a day, he at once recognised
Mother Toulouche by her remarkable appearance and grotesque get up. He
had had so many other irons in the fire, that he had