by following Rabel's
fiancee I might gain some useful knowledge. She walked to the station,
and took a ticket for Castelsarrasin. I did the same. We had half an
hour to wait, but I spent it patiently, and when we left I travelled
alone with her in the same compartment. Soon I managed to get into
conversation with her, whereupon I mentioned that I had a friend,
Monsieur Charles Rabel, in Montauban, and that we had met in Paris. He
had once shown me her photograph and I believed I was not mistaken
that she was Mademoiselle Jacquelot. At first she was surprised, but I
told her a very plausible story, whereupon she explained that Charles
had gone to Toulouse on business three days before, but that he was
returning at noon to-morrow. She herself lived in Castelsarrasin."

"But do you anticipate that we shall discover in Charles Rabel the
notorious Despujol?" I inquired eagerly.

Rivero raised his shoulders and elevated his black eyebrows, saying:

"From facts I gathered from Mademoiselle concerning him I certainly
think that we are really upon his track. It hardly seems possible, but
we must remain in patience till to-morrow. Then, if we find our
surmise correct, we must act with the greatest caution if we are to
watch him to Nimes where he is to meet your mysterious friend--the man
whose name you refuse to reveal."

"When they meet you will at once recognize him," I said. "I may be
mistaken," I added. "But I do not anticipate that I am. If all goes
well, then you will arrest the notorious Despujol."

"I only wish that the fellow would fall into my hands," replied my
companion. "If so, then revelations will be made that will startle
Europe."

"And incidentally gain you promotion in the service--eh?" I laughed.

He nodded and admitted:

"I hope so, Senor Garfield. I sincerely hope so," he replied, and we
parted for the night.

Next day I woke early and sought my friend. We idled about till nearly
noon, when we went together to the railway station to watch the
arrival of the train from Toulouse.

A number of people were about, for the dusty lumbering express from
Bordeaux to Marseilles had, at that moment, arrived, and considerable
bustle ensued in consequence.

While we stood watching the crowd Senor Rivero suddenly touched my
arm, and whispered:

"Look yonder! The girl in dark blue! That is Mademoiselle Jacquelot!
She must not see me. I wonder why she is here--if not to warn him of
the inquiries made concern