and minute examination. "What say you?"

"It has that appearance. Only medical evidence can positively decide,
but I believe it is blood."

"Now we are on the right track, I feel convinced. Some one fetch a
ladder."

One of these curious French ladders, narrow at the top, splayed out at
the base, was quickly leaned against the car, and the detective ran up,
using his magnifier as he climbed.

"There is more here, much more, and something like--yes, beyond question
it is--the print of two hands upon the roof. It was here she climbed."

"No doubt. I can see it now exactly. She would sit on the window ledge,
the lower limbs inside the car here and held there. Then with her hands
she would draw herself up to the roof," said the Judge.

"But what nerve! what strength of arm!"

"It was life and death. Within the car was more terrible danger. Fear
will do much in such a case. We all know that. Well! what more?"

By this time the detective had stepped on to the roof of the car.

"More, more, much more! Footprints, as plain as a picture. A woman's
feet. Wait, let me follow them to the end," said he, cautiously creeping
forward to the end of the car.

A minute or two more, and he rejoined his colleagues on the ground
level, and, rubbing his hands, declared joyously that it was all
perfectly clear.

"Dangerous or not, difficult or not, she did it. I have traced her; have
seen where she must have lain crouching ever so long, followed her all
along the top of the car, to the end where she got down above the little
platform exit. Beyond doubt she left the car when it stopped, and by
arrangement with her confederate."

"The Countess?"

"Who else?"

"And at a point near Paris. The English General said the halt was within
twenty minutes' run of the station."

"Then it is from that point we must commence our search for her. The
Italian has gone on the wrong scent."

"Not necessarily. The maid, we may be sure, will try to communicate with
her mistress."

"Still, it would be well to secure her before she can do that," said the
Judge. "With all we know now, a sharp interrogation might extract some
very damaging admissions from her," went on the detective, eagerly. "Who
is to go? I have sent away both my assistants. Of course I can telephone
for another man, or I might go myself."

"No, no, dear colleague, we cannot spare you just yet. Telephone by all
means. I presume you would wish to be present at the rest of the
i