Twice he searched his pockets, then he cast his coat from him in despair and, bending to the floor, tugged at the iron ring. That, too, was secured. He could not lift it because the scoundrel had bolted it from beneath. Not only had he stolen his money, but he had made him a prisoner, knowing that he must fall into the hands of the police. With his long, black hair ruffled, his great, dark eyes starting from their sockets, and both fists clenched in desperation, he gazed wildly around for some means of escape. There were none. Heavy footsteps sounded upon the uncarpeted stairs, yet if he attempted to jump from the window he would fall into the arms of the police, who had by this time surrounded the house. This was Ralph's revenge--because he had taken his poor little wife's part, because he had prevented him from striking her down! A bitter thought arose in the young thief's heart. He bit his lip, and in an undertone declared: "If ever I meet the cowardly blackguard I will kill him! That I swear. Not only has he robbed me, but he has also betrayed me to the police, knowing that I must be sent to prison, while he will remain safe!" At that instant there came a heavy banging upon the door, while a loud, imperative voice cried: "We are agents of police. Open--in the name of the law!" The victim shrank back in terror. It was the end of his criminal career! He never dreamed that the police were so hot upon their track, and that they had been traced right over from Neuilly. "Open--in the name of the law!" was again repeated, loud and commanding, followed by a sharp rapping. For a few seconds Adolphe stood motionless, his fist still clenched, his terrified eyes fixed upon the door. He seemed rooted to the spot. "Open this door--or we shall break it down!" shouted the police-officer on the stairs. Then, finding resistance impossible, Ansell's victim was compelled to bow to the inevitable. He crossed the room slowly, turned the key, and drew the bolt. Next second three men in plain clothes and a couple of police-agents in uniform burst into the room, and Adolphe found himself seized roughly and secured. "Just caught you, my young friend!" laughed the police-commissary, with satisfaction. He wore an overcoat and hard felt hat, and carried in his hand an ebony cane with silver knob. Adolphe, in the hands of the two other men in plain clothes, made no reply, but at the moment Mme. Brouet entered at the door, with curiosity, to watch the proceedings. The commissary, noticing the smashed panel of the bedroom door, ran inside, while the men in uniform quickly searched the place.