The reply came back that a gentleman, believed to be English, had arrived in the night and now occupied the best suite. His name was Monsieur Johnson, of London. I then described De Gex to the concierge, who repeated the description to the other hotel. "Yes, m'sieur," he said, turning again to me. "Henri believes it is the same gentleman whom you describe." "Who is he?" asked Rivero, much puzzled. "Wait--and you will see," I replied, laughing, for we now seemed to be within an ace of success. Just before midday we watched the arrival of the train from Montauban, and from it there descended the man we expected--the notorious Despujol. Though his features were unmistakable he was made up to look much older, his hair being made grey above the ears. At his side there walked a man whom I instantly recognized, and sight of him, I must confess, caused me to hold my breath. It was the sinister-faced Italian, Doctor Moroni. We drew back, and hastening to a taxi, returned at once to our hotel, from the door of which we could see the entrance to the Luxembourg, where a few moments later we saw both the travellers enter. What further devil's work was now in progress? We watched the hotel in patience, until just before three o'clock the trio came forth laughing airily. "Why, look!" gasped Rivero. "Despujol is with your great English financier, Señor De Gex!" I smiled triumphantly. "I told you that I had a surprise in store for you," I exclaimed. "But if Despujol is with him it must be with some evil intent!" "That is certain!" "While Señor De Gex was in Madrid we had orders to afford him police protection," Rivero said. "Possibly he suspected that some attempt might be made upon him. Certainly he has no idea of that man's true identity." "Yes, he has, for he has come here specially to meet him in secret. But why that Italian should be here I can only surmise. He is a doctor from Florence, named Moroni--a man of very evil repute." "But why should Señor De Gex meet such people in secret?" asked Rivero, much astonished. "I suppose there is some strong motive why they should meet--the more so, now that I have proved to you that the notorious Despujol is a hireling of this wealthy man De Gex." "A hireling!" he gasped. "What do you mean?" "I mean that De Gex hired Despujol to make that attempt upon my life, and I have a suspicion--one not yet entirely verified--that Moroni prepared that deadly orosin by the agency of which it was hoped that I should meet with my death." "Do you really suggest that De Gex, one of the best-known and most philanthropic men in Europe, actually hired Despujol to go to your room that night?" my companion asked, his eyes following the trio as they walked together and chatted beneath the trees of the Avenue Feuchères. "I do. And further, De Gex has every motive in closing my lips." "Ah! Then you hold some secret of his, perhaps?" asked Rivero, a new interest being instantly aroused.