ation to the beginning of the line, I at once see
that the only consonant able to take the place of the dot between the
diphthongs FAI and UI is the letter G and that, when I have thus formed
the first five letters of the word, AIGUI, it is natural and inevitable
that, with the two next dots and the final E, I should arrive at the
word AIGUILLE."

"Yes, the word AIGUILLE forces itself upon us."

"Finally, for the last word, I have three vowels and three consonants.
I cast about again, I try all the letters, one after the other, and,
starting with the principle that the two first letters are necessary
consonants, I find that three words apply: F*EUVE, PREUVE and CREUSE. I
eliminate the words F*EUVE and PREUVE, as possessing no possible
relation to a needle, and I keep the word CREUSE."

"Making 'hollow needle'! By jove! I admit that your solution is
correct, because it needs must be; but how does it help us?"

"Not at all," said Beautrelet, in a thoughtful tone. "Not at all, for
the moment.--Later on, we shall see.--I have an idea that a number of
things are included in the puzzling conjunction of those two words,
AIGUILLE CREUSE. What is troubling me at present is rather the material
on which the document is written, the paper employed.--Do they still
manufacture this sort of rather coarse-grained parchment? And then this
ivory color.--And those folds--the wear of those folds--and, lastly,
look, those marks of red sealing-wax, on the back--"

At that moment Beautrelet, was interrupted by Bredoux, the magistrate's
clerk, who opened the door and announced the unexpected arrival of the
chief public prosecutor. M. Filleul rose:

"Anything new? Is Monsieur le Procureur General downstairs?"

"No, Monsieur le Juge d'Instruction. Monsieur le Procureur General has
not left his carriage. He is only passing through Ambrumesy and begs
you to be good enough to go down to him at the gate. He only has a word
to say to you."

"That's curious," muttered M. Filleul. "However--we shall see. Excuse
me, Beautrelet, I shan't be long."

He went away. His footsteps sounded outside. Then the clerk closed the
door, turned the key and put it in his pocket.

"Hullo!" exclaimed Beautrelet, greatly surprised. "What are you locking
us in for?"

"We shall be able to talk so much better," retorted Bredoux.

Beautrelet rushed toward another door, which led to the next room. He
had understood: the accomplice was Bredoux, the clerk of the ex