comments, conjectures: it ceased abruptly.

Monsieur Thomery had just appeared at the top of the grand staircase,
accompanied by a gentleman, whose simple black coat was in striking
contrast to the light dresses and brilliant uniforms of the guests.

Someone whispered:

"Monsieur Havard!"

It was, in fact, the chief of the detective police force. Within a
couple of minutes of his frightful discovery, Thomery had rushed to the
telephone and had called up Police Headquarters. It was a piece of
unexpected good fortune to find Monsieur Havard there at so advanced an
hour. He had immediately responded to the call in person.

Whilst crossing the reception rooms Thomery talked to him in a low
voice:

"Accept my grateful thanks, Monsieur, for having answered my appeal for
help so quickly. No sooner did I discover the body of my Princess than I
lost no time in having all the exits from the premises watched.
Unfortunately I was obliged to leave my reception rooms for quite a
quarter of an hour, so that I cannot tell you what happened there. If
only I had been able to remain with my guests, I might possibly have
surprised some movement, some gesture, some look, which would have put
me on the track of this murderous thief ... unfortunately ..."

Monsieur Havard interrupted, smiling:

"That does not matter, Monsieur: if the guilty person is among your
guests and has in some way betrayed himself, I shall hear of it. There
are, at least, four or five plain clothes men among the dancers, I can
assure you of that."

"I can assure you to the contrary!" replied Thomery--"I know my
guests--know who have been admitted here!"

"I also am sure of what I say," insisted Monsieur Havard. "There is
scarcely a ball, a reception, however select it may be, where you will
not find a certain number of our men."

Thomery made no reply to this: they had arrived at the door of the fatal
room. The doctor was standing beside the victim. Dr. Marvier reassured
Monsieur Havard. He announced that the Princess had been almost
literally felled to the ground by a most powerful soporific and was in
no real danger: she would certainly regain consciousness in the course
of an hour or two.... But she must be kept perfectly quiet: that was
absolutely necessary.

Monsieur Havard did not question the doctor's statement. After a rapid
glance he was able to form his own opinion. There had been no struggle:
the victim's wounds were due to the haste with whic