peared
the King must be held guilty until further discovery."

Marie Pascal replied simply:

"It is frightful. The more so because I had this proof in my hand, and I
know very well he is innocent."

Juve picked up his hat and began buttoning his overcoat.

"Naturally, Mademoiselle, you yourself know ... and I may add that I am
of your opinion, but still you have no proof to offer, and
consequently...."

Marie Pascal wrung her hands in desperation.

"What is to be done? How can the truth come to light.... Ah, I shall
never forgive myself for having at first accused the King and then
losing the proof of his innocence."

"Oh, don't take it to heart too much. In criminal affairs the first
results of the investigator are really conclusive."

Juve nodded to the young girl and rapidly went downstairs smiling to
himself. One thing and one alone had developed from his interview. The
King denied his guilt.

"The only thing I know," he thought, "is that the concierge affirms that
Frederick-Christian was alone when he came to see Susy d'Orsel.... If I
can prove that definitely I can also prove by the chain of evidence that
the King is guilty. But how to do it?"

Juve hurried through the courtyard, passing the office of Mme. Ceiron,
who was out at that moment. As he had already obtained the key of Susy
d'Orsel's apartment, her absence did not trouble him.

"I'll be willing to bet," he thought, "that I shall find nothing
interesting in her rooms. But it is at least my duty to go over them
carefully.... If only I could discover evidence showing that three
persons were there together, but that is most unlikely. The officers,
the doctors, the concierge and the men who carried the body to the
Morgue would have destroyed all traces."

It was not without a slight shudder that Juve entered the apartment
where the tragedy occurred. With a real catch at his heart he went
through the bright, luxuriously decorated rooms, still giving evidence
of a feminine presence.

Death had entered there. The sinister death of crime, brutal,
unforeseen. A hundred times more tragic for remaining unexplained. Juve,
however, quickly stifled his feelings. He was there to investigate and
nothing else mattered. The bedroom presented nothing worthy of notice,
the boudoir was in perfect order, also the kitchen and the hall.

Juve entered, finally, the dining-room. It was there, according to the
testimony of witnesses, that the crime must have taken