Page:Bedford-Jones--The Mardi Gras Mystery.djvu/291

 "I think there's a bundle inside," he said. "What's in it, I don't know"

"Here we are, cap."

A bundle was produced, and opened. In it was found the aviator's costume which Gramont had worn as the Midnight Masquer, and which Chacherre had stolen with the loot. Wrapped among the leathern garments was an automatic pistol.

Gramont stood aghast before this discovery, as realization of what it meant broke full upon him.

Good lord!" he exclaimed, amazedly. "Boys—why, it must have been Ben Chacherre who killed Maillard! See if that pistol has been used"

The Midnight Masquer had fired two bullets into Maillard. Two cartridges were gone from this automatic.