though the letters were much
interlaced and involved, were decipherable as S.L.L.C.

It was that of the Countess, and corresponded with the marks on her
other belongings. He put it to his nostril, and recognized at once by
its smell that it had contained tincture of laudanum, or some
preparation of that drug.

CHAPTER V

M. Flocon was an experienced detective, and he knew so well that he
ought to be on his guard against the most plausible suggestions, that he
did not like to make too much of these discoveries. Still, he was
distinctly satisfied, if not exactly exultant, and he went back towards
the station with a strong predisposition against the Contessa di
Castagneto.

Just outside the waiting-room, however, his assistant, Galipaud, met him
with news which rather dashed his hopes, and gave a new direction to his
thoughts.

The lady's maid was not to be found.

"Impossible!" cried the Chief, and then at once suspicion followed
surprise.

"I have looked, monsieur, inquired everywhere; the maid has not been
seen. She certainly is not here."

"Did she go through the barrier with the other passengers?"

"No one knows; no one remembers her; not even the conductor. But she has
gone. That is positive."

"Yet it was her duty to be here; to attend to her service. Her mistress
would certainly want her--has asked for her! Why should she run away?"

This question presented itself as one of infinite importance, to be
pondered over seriously before he went further into the inquiry.

Did the Countess know of this disappearance?

She had asked imploringly for her maid. True, but might that not be a
blind? Women are born actresses, and at need can assume any part, convey
any impression. Might not the Countess have wished to be dissociated
from the maid, and therefore have affected complete ignorance of her
flight?

"I will try her further," said M. Flocon to himself.

But then, supposing that the maid had taken herself off of her own
accord? Why was it? Why had she done so? Because--because she was afraid
of something. If so, of what? No direct accusation could be brought
against her on the face of it. She had not been in the sleeping-car at
the time of the murder, while the Countess as certainly was; and,
according to strong presumption, in the very compartment where the deed
was done. If the maid was afraid, why was she afraid?

Only on one possible hypothesis. That she was either in collusion with
the Countes