His discoveries, to say the least of it, were becoming interesting. If Mlle. Lambert’s story was true--and he was strongly disposed to believe her--M. Boirac had acted in a way that required some explanation. His finding fault with the typist did not seem genuine. In fact, to La Touche it looked as if the whole episode had been arranged to provide an excuse for getting rid of the typewriter. Again, the manufacturer’s dismissal of his typist at a day’s notice was not explained by his statement that he was about to reorganise his office. Had that been true he would have allowed her to work her month’s notice, and, even more obviously, he would not have immediately engaged her successor. As La Touche paid his bill at the hotel he decided that though there might be nothing in his suspicions, the matter was well worth further investigation. He therefore called a taxi and was driven to the Remington typewriter depot. ‘I want,’ he said to the salesman who came forward, ‘to buy a second-hand machine. Can you let me see some?’ ‘Certainly, monsieur. Will you step this way?’ They went to a room at the back of the building where were stored a vast assemblage of typewriters of all sizes and in all states of repair. La Touche, inquiring as to prices and models, moved slowly about, running his quick eye over the machines, looking always for one with a twisted S-key. But, search as he would, he could not find what he wanted. Nor could he find any No. 7’s. These machines were all more modern. He turned at last to the shopman. ‘These are all rather expensive for me. I should explain that I am the principal of a commercial school, and I merely want a machine on which beginners could learn the keys. Any old thing would do, if I could get it cheap. Have you any older machines?’ ‘Certainly, monsieur, we have several quite good No. 7’s and a few No. 5’s. Come this way, please.’ They went to a room devoted to more antiquated specimens. Here La Touche continued his investigations, searching always for the twisted S. At last he saw it. Not only was the letter turned to the right, but on the side plate were the three scratches mentioned by Mlle. Lambert. ‘I think that one would suit,’ he said. ‘Could you get it down and let me have a look at it?’ He went through the pretence of examining it with care. ‘Yes,’ he said, ‘this will do if it works all right. I should like to try it.’ He put in a sheet of paper and typed a few words. Then, drawing out his work, he examined the letters and alignment. As he looked at it even his long experience scarcely prevented him giving a cry of triumph. For, to the best of his belief, this was the machine on which the Le Gautier letter had been typed! He turned again to the shopman. ‘That seems all right,’ he said. ‘I’ll take the machine, please.’ He paid for it and obtained a receipt. Then he asked to see the manager.