"Yes, doctor, two days ago he gave me a large envelope and told me to take care of it for him, and to be sure and open it the moment he was dead. I was very frightened at what he said, and asked him to explain what he meant, but he merely shook his head and assured me there was no need for alarm, and all he asked me to promise was to carry out his instructions." "But you have not carried them out, my child," said Villebois, smiling. "Oh, doctor, how could I? I have been so ill and worried I have been unable to think of anything at all." "Well, never mind," said Riche consolingly, "fortunately no harm has been done. Do you remember what the envelope looked like?" "It was sealed with large red seals." "What," cried Riche, bounding up from his seat as if he had been shot, "did you say it was sealed?" "Yes, doctor, it had five seals in wax." "Diable!" cried Riche in such an excited tone of surprise that Villebois thought he must be out of his senses. "Tell me quick where it is." "You will find it in my writing-desk, doctor," said Renée, alarmed at his excited manner. "What do you want it for?" "I must have it--I mean, may I bring it to you?" "Certainly, if you wish to, doctor." Dr. Riche on hearing this hastily left the room in a great state of excitement. "What is the matter with him?" asked Renée, "why is he so eager to get the packet? It is merely a trifle after all." "I have no idea, but I will go and see for myself." As Villebois was leaving the room, the servant met him, and whispered something in his ear as he handed him a card. "Shut the door quickly," said Villebois in a low tone. "We must not on any account let mademoiselle hear about it." He followed the servant into the library where a gentleman advanced to meet him. "I am sent from the parquet with orders from the representative of the Procureur de la République to carry out an autopsy on the body of Monsieur le Professor Delapine." "Good," replied Villebois, "pray step this way." Doctor Roux, for that was his name, entered the séance room armed with a large black bag, from which he withdrew a white apron extending below his knees with long sleeves, and an array of instruments and dishes. Placing the latter on a table near at hand, he removed his coat, and attired himself in his apron. He began operations by displaying an immense amount of zeal and activity in his preparations for the autopsy. He first ordered a large kitchen table to be brought into the middle of the room, and had Delapine's body placed on it. Doctor Villebois offered his assistance, which was somewhat reluctantly accepted. Selecting a sharp scalpel Dr. Roux was about to make the first incision, when Riche rushed into the room in a state of tremendous excitement. "Stop! For God's sake stop," he shouted, "before it is too late," and seizing Dr. Roux' arm he pulled it away so violently that the scalpel cut one of the worthy doctor's fingers.