or's deposition and M. Casimir's testimony
was too remarkable to pass unnoticed. Further doubt seemed impossible.
"Ah! this is most unfortunate!" faltered Wilkie. "What a pity! Such
difficulties never assail any one but me! What am I to do?" And in his
distress he glanced from the doctor to the Marquis de Valorsay, and then
at M. de Coralth, as if seeking inspiration from each of them.

"My profession forbids my acting as an adviser in such cases," replied
the physician, "but these gentlemen have not the same reasons for
keeping silent."

"Excuse me," interrupted the marquis quickly; "but this is one of those
cases in which a man must be left to his own inspirations. The most
I can do, is to say what course I should pursue if I were one of the
deceased count's relatives or heirs."

"Pray tell me, my dear marquis," sighed Wilkie. "You would render me an
immense service by doing so."

M. de Valorsay seemed to reflect for a moment; and then he solemnly
exclaimed: "I should feel that my honor required me to investigate every
circumstance connected with this mysterious affair. Before receiving a
man's estate, one must know the cause of his death, so as to avenge him
if he has been foully murdered."

For M. Wilkie the oracle had spoken. "Such is my opinion exactly," he
declared. "But what course would you pursue, my dear marquis? How would
you set about solving this mystery?"

"I should appeal to the authorities."

"Ah!"

"And this very day, this very hour, without losing a second, I should
address a communication to the public prosecutor, informing him of the
robbery which is patent to any one, and referring to the possibility of
foul play."

"Yes, that would be an excellent idea; but there is one slight
drawback--I don't know how to draw up such a communication."

"I know no more about it than you do yourself; but any lawyer or notary
will give you the necessary information. Are you acquainted with any
such person? Would you like me to give you the address of my business
man? He is a very clever fellow, who has almost all the members of my
club as his clients."

This last reason was more than sufficient to fix M. Wilkie's choice.
"Where can I find him?" he inquired.

"At his house--he is always there at this hour. Come! here is a scrap
of paper and a pencil. You had better make a note of his address. Write:
'Maumejan, Route de la Revolte.' Tell him that I sent you, and he will
treat you with the same conside