volunteered to say after the formal
questioning was over, "I can throw some light on this catastrophe."

"And how so, pray? Did you assist? Were you present? If so, why wait to
speak till now?" said the detective, receiving the advance rather
coldly. It behooved him to be very much on his guard.

"I have had no opportunity till now of addressing any one in authority.
You are in authority, I presume?"

"I am the Chief of the Detective Service."

"Then, monsieur, remember, please, that I can give some useful
information when called upon. Now, indeed, if you will receive it."

M. Flocon was so anxious to approach the inquiry without prejudice that
he put up his hand.

"We will wait, if you please. When M. le Juge arrives, then, perhaps;
at any rate, at a later stage. That will do now, thank you."

The Italian's lip curled with a slight indication of contempt at the
French detective's methods, but he bowed without speaking, and went out.

Last of all the lady appeared, in a long sealskin travelling cloak, and
closely veiled. She answered M. Flocon's questions in a low, tremulous
voice, as though greatly perturbed.

She was the Contessa di Castagneto, she said, an Englishwoman by birth;
but her husband had been an Italian, as the name implied, and they
resided in Rome. He was dead--she had been a widow for two or three
years, and was on her way now to London.

"That will do, madame, thank you," said the detective, politely, "for
the present at least."

"Why, are we likely to be detained? I trust not." Her voice became
appealing, almost piteous. Her hands, restlessly moving, showed how much
she was distressed.

"Indeed, Madame la Comtesse, it must be so. I regret it infinitely; but
until we have gone further into this, have elicited some facts, arrived
at some conclusions--But there, madame, I need not, must not say more."

"Oh, monsieur, I was so anxious to continue my journey. Friends are
awaiting me in London. I do hope--I most earnestly beg and entreat you
to spare me. I am not very strong; my health is indifferent. Do, sir, be
so good as to release me from--"

As she spoke, she raised her veil, and showed what no woman wishes to
hide, least of all when seeking the good-will of one of the opposite
sex. She had a handsome face--strikingly so. Not even the long journey,
the fatigue, the worries and anxieties which had supervened, could rob
her of her marvellous beauty.

She was a brilliant brunette, dark-s