an?"

"There's news."

"What news? Speak, man!"

"Daubrecq has disappeared."

"Eh? What's that? Daubrecq disappeared?"

"Yes, carried off from his house, in broad daylight."

"The devil! By whom?"

"Nobody knows... four men... there were pistols fired... The police are
on the spot. Prasville is directing the investigations."

Lupin did not move a limb. He looked at Clarisse Mergy, who lay huddled
in a chair.

He himself had to bow his head. Daubrecq carried off meant one more
chance of success lost...

CHAPTER VII. THE PROFILE OF NAPOLEON

Soon as the prefect of police, the chief of the criminal-investigation
department and the examining-magistrates had left Daubrecq's house,
after a preliminary and entirely fruitless inquiry, Prasville resumed
his personal search.

He was examining the study and the traces of the struggle which had
taken place there, when the portress brought him a visiting-card, with a
few words in pencil scribbled upon it.

"Show the lady in," he said.

"The lady has some one with her," said the portress.

"Oh? Well, show the other person in as well."

Clarisse Mergy entered at once and introduced the gentleman with her, a
gentleman in a black frock-coat, which was too tight for him and which
looked as though it had not been brushed for ages. He was shy in his
manner and seemed greatly embarrassed how to dispose of his old, rusty
top-hat, his gingham umbrella, his one and only glove and his body
generally.

"M. Nicole," said Clarisse, "a private teacher, who is acting as tutor
to my little Jacques. M. Nicole has been of the greatest help to me with
his advice during the past year. He worked out the whole story of the
crystal stopper. I should like him, as well as myself--if you see
no objection to telling me--to know the details of this kidnapping
business, which alarms me and upsets my plans; yours too, I expect?"

Prasville had every confidence in Clarisse Mergy. He knew her relentless
hatred of Daubrecq and appreciated the assistance which she had rendered
in the case. He therefore made no difficulties about telling her what
he knew, thanks to certain clues and especially to the evidence of the
portress.

For that matter, the thing was exceedingly simple. Daubrecq, who had
attended the trial of Gilbert and Vaucheray as a witness and who was
seen in court during the speeches, returned home at six o'clock. The
portress affirmed that he came in alone and that there was n