Just as this conclusion was reached, there came a tap at the door, and the waiter entered with Mr. Lacelle's card, followed closely by Mr. Lacelle. Count D'Orsay expressed great pleasure at the unexpected visit; but Mr. Lacelle, waiving all ceremony, explained that he had come to clear his dear American friends from the disgraceful charge against them. He then spoke rapidly, in French, to the count, who appeared at first surprised, then credulous, then convinced. With sincere regret, he asked to be allowed to apologize at once, and begged Mr. Lacelle to tell him of some way in which he could make some amends for his unjust accusation. "I wish you to be thoroughly convinced," said Mr. Lacelle. "Place the articles upon the table, open the window, and conceal yourself behind the curtain." Mr. Lacelle did so. ----- [2] "To a good cat, a good rat!" CHAPTER XIII. THE REAL THIEF. Eric, when he reached the hall, was called by the landlord, who said,-- "I am having the rooms searched, at Monsieur Lacelle's request, for your little monkey. Will you come with me? We may catch her more easily." Eric was very glad to assist in the search. When nearly all the front rooms had been thoroughly examined, to no purpose, the little truant was found at last in the upper story asleep, on a soft cushion, in the sunlight. Eric stole up softly and took possession of her. She awoke with a loud chatter of defiance, and tried to escape, but Eric held her fast. The landlord then ordered a servant to close all the windows in the front of the hotel, excepting those of Count D'Orsay, whose room was above that of the two boys. Eric hastened, at his request, for Froll's collar and chain, which were fastened upon her, and then she was released upon the balcony under the window of the boy's room, the landlord, Eric, Johnny, and Mr. Van Rasseulger watching her movements with intense interest. Meanwhile the count and Mr. Lacelle were stationed behind the window curtains, on the lookout for the marauder. Presently there was a sliding, scrambling, shuffling noise, and the thief came in through the window--not Eric, nor Johnny, but a being very insufficiently attired, and possessed of a long black tail; no less a personage than the little monkey, Froll. She walked straight to the table, climbed upon it, seized the ring, purse, and a gold pencil which Mr. Lacelle had laid there. Then she withdrew to the window, but to her rage and disappointment it was shut tight, and the two gentlemen confronted her. The little beast recognized Mr. Lacelle, and coolly handed him her stolen freight, which was quickly restored to its rightful owner. Thoroughly convinced of his unjust cruelty to Eric and Johnny, Count D'Orsay descended to the balcony, offering sincere and earnest apologies. Eric and Johnny, by turns hugging and scolding Froll, freely forgave the indignity put upon them, and shook hands cordially with the mortified count.