. Then you've talked to Miss Rowe, sir?"

"Yes, Chalmers. I have heard more than enough."

As he spoke he realised suddenly that they were now plunged into the
midst of a revolting sensation. In a few hours the newspapers would
blazon it to the world, and all Cannes, all France, perhaps, would be
searching for the beautiful Lady Clifford, wanted on the charge of
murdering her husband.

"Aline," he said as the woman came towards him, "what was Madame
wearing? Have you thought to look?"

"_Ah, non, monsieur, mais tenez! Je vous dirai toute de suite._"

She hurried into Therese's room and returned almost at once with a face
still more perplexed. There was nothing missing from Madame's wearing
apparel, as far as she could see, except the black chiffon gown Madame
wore last evening. Madame had not undressed at eleven o'clock, when
she desired to be left alone.

"Do you mean to say there is no coat gone? No wrap of any kind, nor a
hat?"

"_Monsieur peut regarder. C'est comme je dis._"

The three exchanged puzzled glances.

"She may be in the house," hazarded Roger at last. "We had better find
out."

In a few minutes they had made a tour of the entire villa. Roger
himself tried the fastenings of all the windows on the ground-floor,
and the doors leading onto the terrace from the salon. All was secure.
There remained only the doctor's room, and Aline, who had been inside
it a moment ago, was prepared to swear her ladyship was not there.

Roger shot a speculative glance at the maid. Was it possible she was
lying? Was this all part of some scheme on Therese's part to allow her
time to get away? Had Aline connived at her escape? The suspicion
took root. They were now at the top of the house, where there were
only servants' quarters and box-rooms. Two flights of stairs lay
between them and the front door. What if the woman had led them hither
in order to leave the lower regions unguarded?

"Listen, sir! Was that a car starting?"

All stood still, attentive to the sound below. Then with a sudden idea
Roger strode to the small oval window in the mansard roof, and tried to
see down into the garden. Far below an engine whirred, tires grated on
the drive. He caught sight of a car just disappearing out of the
gateway.

"By God, Chalmers, they've gone! They've made off together."

"Was it the doctor's car, sir? I thought I knew the sound."

There was no good being upset about it, Roger reflecte