He has been at work all night, and he is just going to take a
bath before going to bed."
The Suisse seemed very vexed at this rebuff; and Lecoq was presenting
his excuses, when another voice was heard exclaiming. "Let these worthy
men do their duty, Otto."
"Ah! do you hear that!" exclaimed the Suisse triumphantly.
"Very well, since Monsieur le Duc permits it. Come in, I will light you
through the apartments."
Lecoq entered, but it was only for form's sake that he walked through
the different apartments; a library, an admirable study, and a charming
smoking-room. As he was passing through the bed-chamber, he had the
honor of seeing the Duc de Sairmeuse through the half-open door of a
small, white, marble bath-room.
"Ah, well!" cried the duke, affably, "is the fugitive still invisible?"
"Still invisible, monsieur," Lecoq respectfully replied.
The valet de chambre did not share his master's good humor. "I think,
gentlemen," said he, "that you may spare yourselves the trouble of
visiting the apartments of the duchess. It is a duty we have taken
upon ourselves--the women and I--and we have looked even in the bureau
drawers."
Upon the landing the old footman, who had not ventured to enter his
master's apartments, was awaiting the detectives. He had doubtless
received his orders, for he politely inquired if they desired anything,
and if, after such a fatiguing night, they would not find some cold
meat and a glass of wine acceptable.
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