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 Victoria's anger mounted with opposition. "Very well, then. Mademoiselle Palintzka had given him warning. If a crime had been committed and the culprit escaped, his was the responsibility. Mademoiselle had done all she could. Where was the commissaire of police? He should be notified, then mademoiselle would wash her hands of the whole affair."

At the mention of police the fat little man shook his lethargy from him and announced himself willing to investigate—but what, and where?

"Take the pass-keys and a light, and rouse every one in the front of the house," Sonia commanded. "Undoubtedly the man came from there. If the occupants were out of the place, look about and see if anything has been disturbed."

The garçon-de-peine appeared inopportunely, and the party was once more delayed while voluminous explanations were made to him.

"A half-hour at least since we got here, and nothing done," Victoria fretted, as at last the cortege, composed of the garçon, chambermaid, and landlord, armed with lights, pass-keys, and 51