le waiting for his
connection, he addressed the senior gendarme of those present in the
room.

"I want the two fastest cars brought round immediately. This fellow
shall take us to his mound and we will see how far he is lying and how
far telling us the truth. We will then proceed to the Chateau de
la Hourmerie. Six men will be required to accompany me. Make your
selection----'allo! 'allo!---- Toussaint?---- Is that you, Toussaint?"

And he outlined with curt efficiency the instructions laid down for his
subordinate.

"In an hour," he concluded, "we meet at the Chateau de la Hourmerie. One
hour, mind you! One hour from now." Smartly and with finality he hung up
the receiver.

The Commissary was already struggling into his dust coat when there came
yet a second interruption. The sound of many agitated feet in the
outer office prepared the occupants of M. Lesueur's private room for
threatened but not for actual invasion of their retired sanctuary.
Wherefore they regarded with speechless amazement the tempestuous entry
of two elegantly gowned women, one clutching the other firmly by the
arm, while in close and uncomfortable attendance followed two men, one
tall, white-whiskered, and conspicuous in a buff alpaca suit, the other
short, stout, and shining with the sweat-drops of embarrassment.

The female invaders lost no time in stating their business, but as they
both spoke at once and shrilly, the unfortunate Commissary learnt little
of the matter at issue between them. Not until the united efforts of all
the men present had silenced feminine vociferation was it possible to
understand what in the world the pother was about. The old gentleman,
to whom in courtesy priority of speech was accorded, made the following
statement:

"About an hour and a half ago I entered the Casino in company with the
young lady whom now you observe in the grip of--er--the other lady. My
companion, whose name is Amelie, was anxious at once to join the crowd
at the tables.

"We contrived to edge ourselves to a convenient front seat, and for
some while played quietly and with varying success. I then observed that
new-comers were seeking to force a way to the front row of players, and,
in order to give others their turn, stepped behind my companion, leaving
vacant the spot I had previously occupied. It was filled forthwith
by the second of the two ladies now before you, who thanked me with
a charming smile for my courtesy, and was on the poi