," said the inspector laconically.

Hillard produced a five-franc piece. The inspector laughed without noise
and shook his head. This one inspector is impervious to money or smooth
speeches. He is the law personified, inexorable.

"Tell him to keep the cigars, but let us go!" Merrihew begged.

No, that would not do. Monsieur had not declared the cigars. If he
persisted, the government would confiscate the cigars, but in place of
duty there would be a large fine. Monsieur had better be patient and pay
the duty only, retaining his valuable cigars. It was very liberal on his
(the inspector's) part.

Hillard strained his eyes, but saw neither Kitty nor the veiled lady
again. Doubtless they were already on the train. Had Merrihew been an
old traveler he would have left him to get to Monte Carlo the best way
he could; but Merrihew was as helpless as a child, and he hadn't the
heart to desert him, though he deserved to be deserted.

Ding-ding! went the bell. Toot-toot! went the horn. Whee-whee! went the
whistle. The train for Monte Carlo was drawing out, and they were being
left behind. Hillard swore and Merrihew went white with impotent anger.
If only he could hit something! The inspector smiled and went on with
his deadly work. When he was certain that they could not possibly catch
the train, he chalked the cases, handed the cigars to their owner, and
pointed to a sign the other side of the barricade.

"What shall I do now, Jack?" Merrihew asked.

"I refuse to help you. Find out yourself."

So Merrihew, hopeless and subdued, went into the room designated, saw
the cigars taken out and weighed, took the bill and presented it with a
hundred-lire note at the little window in the off-room. The official
there pushed the money back indifferently.

"_Francaise, Monsieur, francaise!_"

Merrihew blinked at him. What _was_ the matter now? Was the note bad?

"_Change, cambio!_" said the official testily. Would tourists never
learn anything?

Merrihew got it through his head somehow where the difficulty lay. He
went out again, remembering the sign _Cambio_ hanging in front of the
news-stand. He lost half a dollar in the exchange, but for the time
being his troubles were over.

Meanwhile Hillard had made inquiries at the door. No, the official there
told him, he had not noticed the lady in the veil. So many passed; it
was impossible to recollect.

And Merrihew found him sitting disconsolately on the barricade.

"I hope y