Thrice, in the course of the day, Lupin saw him cantering along. And
he found him, in the evening, at the station, where d'Albufex rode up,
followed by a huntsman.

The proof, therefore, was conclusive; and there was nothing suspicious
on that side. Why did Lupin, nevertheless, resolve not to be satisfied
with appearances? And why, next day, did he send the Masher to find
out things in the neighbourhood of Montmaur? It was an additional
precaution, based upon no logical reason, but agreeing with his
methodical and careful manner of acting.

Two days later he received from the Masher, among other information of
less importance, a list of the house-party at Montmaur and of all the
servants and keepers.

One name struck him, among those of the huntsmen. He at once wired:

"Inquire about huntsman Sebastiani."

The Masher's answer was received the next day:

"Sebastiani, a Corsican, was recommended to the Duc de Montmaur by the
Marquis d'Albufex. He lives at two or three miles from the house, in a
hunting-lodge built among the ruins of the feudal stronghold which was
the cradle of the Montmaur family."

"That's it," said Lupin to Clarisse Mergy, showing her the Masher's
letter. "That name, Sebastiani, at once reminded me that d'Albufex is of
Corsican descent. There was a connection..."

"Then what do you intend to do?"

"If Daubrecq is imprisoned in those ruins, I intend to enter into
communication with him."

"He will distrust you."

"No. Lately, acting on the information of the police, I ended by
discovering the two old ladies who carried off your little Jacques at
Saint-Germain and who brought him, the same evening, to Neuilly. They
are two old maids, cousins of Daubrecq, who makes them a small monthly
allowance. I have been to call on those Demoiselles Rousselot; remember
the name and the address: 134 bis, Rue du Bac. I inspired them with
confidence, promised them to find their cousin and benefactor; and the
elder sister, Euphrasie Rousselot, gave me a letter in which she begs
Daubrecq to trust M. Nicole entirely. So you see, I have taken every
precaution. I shall leave to-night."

"We, you mean," said Clarisse.

"You!"

"Can I go on living like this, in feverish inaction?" And she whispered,
"I am no longer counting the days, the thirty-eight or forty days that
remain to us: I am counting the hours."

Lupin felt that her resolution was too strong for him to try to combat
it. They both started at five