ss, like that which grows on walls. On the
front are numerous rents; and one near the knee is about four inches
long. These trousers had not been hung up with the other clothes; but
appear to have been hidden between two large trunks full of clothing.

3. In the pocket of the above mentioned trousers was found a pair of
lavender kid gloves. The palm of the right hand glove bears a large
greenish stain, produced by grass or moss. The tips of the fingers
have been worn as if by rubbing. Upon the backs of both gloves are some
scratches, apparently made by finger-nails.

4. There were also found in the dressing-room two pairs of boots, one of
which, though clean and polished, was still very damp; and an umbrella
recently wetted, the end of which was still covered with a light
coloured mud.

5. In a large room, called the library, were found a box of cigars of
the trabucos brand, and on the mantel-shelf a number of cigar-holders in
amber and meerschaum.

The last article noted down, M. Tabaret approached the commissary of
police.

"I have everything I could desire," he whispered.

"And I have finished," replied the commissary. "Our prisoner does not
appear to know exactly how to act. You heard what he said. He gave in at
once. I suppose YOU will call it lack of experience."

"In the middle of the day," replied the amateur detective in a whisper,
"he would not have been quite so crestfallen. But early in the morning,
suddenly awakened, you know--Always arrest a person early in the
morning, when he's hungry, and only half awake."

"I have questioned some of the servants. Their evidence is rather
peculiar."

"Very well; we shall see. But I must hurry off and find the
investigating magistrate, who is impatiently expecting me."

Albert was beginning to recover a little from the stupor into which he
had been plunged by the entrance of the commissary of police.

"Sir," he asked, "will you permit me to say a few words in your presence
to the Count de Commarin? I am the victim of some mistake, which will be
very soon discovered."

"It's always a mistake," muttered old Tabaret.

"What you ask is impossible," replied the commissary. "I have special
orders of the strictest sort. You must not henceforth communicate with
a living soul. A cab is in waiting below. Have the goodness to accompany
me to it."

In crossing the vestibule, Albert noticed a great stir among the
servants; they all seemed to have lost their senses.