“The first time, I was a gentleman’s servant, and I got a day’s imprisonment for crying, ‘Hurrah for the General Strike!’—on the first of May.” “You were a valet? In whose service?” said M. Formery. “In the service of M. Genlis, the Socialist leader.” “And your second conviction?” said M. Formery. “It was for having cried in the porch of Ste. Clotilde, ‘Down with the cows!’—meaning the police, sir,” said the concierge. “And were you in the service of M. Genlis then?” said M. Formery. “No, sir; I was in the service of M. Bussy-Rabutin, the Royalist deputy.” “You don’t seem to have very well-defined political convictions,” said M. Formery. “Oh, yes, sir, I have,” the concierge protested. “I’m always devoted to my masters; and I have the same opinions that they have—always.” “Very good; you can go,” said M. Formery. The concierge and his wife left the room, looking as if they did not quite know whether to feel relieved or not. “Those two fools are telling the exact truth, unless I’m very much mistaken,” said M. Formery. “They look honest enough people,” said the Duke. “Well, now to examine the rest of the house,” said M. Formery. “I’ll come with you, if I may,” said the Duke. “By all means, by all means,” said M. Formery. “I find it all so interesting,” said the Duke. CHAPTER X GUERCHARD ASSISTS Leaving a policeman on guard at the door of the drawing-room M. Formery, the Duke, and the inspector set out on their tour of inspection. It was a long business, for M. Formery examined every room with the most scrupulous care—with more care, indeed, than he had displayed in his examination of the drawing-rooms. In particular he lingered long in the bedroom of Victoire, discussing the possibilities of her having been murdered and carried away by the burglars along with their booty. He seemed, if anything, disappointed at finding no blood-stains, but to find real consolation in the thought that she might have been strangled. He found the inspector in entire agreement with every theory he enunciated, and he grew more and more disposed to regard him as a zealous and trustworthy officer. Also he was not at all displeased at enjoying this opportunity of impressing the Duke with his powers of analysis and synthesis. He was unaware that, as a rule, the Duke’s eyes did not usually twinkle as they twinkled during this solemn and deliberate progress through the house of M. Gournay-Martin. M. Formery had so exactly the air of a sleuthhound; and he was even noisier.