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They followed the road between the bushes until a turn showed thee with its doors open

"The doors were found unlocked?"

"Just as you see theain to Servettaz "What did you do with

the key on Tuesday?"

"I gave it to Helene Vauquier,it on a nail in the kitchen"

"I see," said Hanaud "So any one could easily, have found it last

night?"

"Yes, monsieur--if one knehere to look for it"

At the back of the garage a row of petrol-tins stood against the

brick wall

"Was any petrol taken?" asked Hanaud

"Yes, monsieur; there was very little petrol in the car when I

went away More was taken, but it was taken from the middle tins--

these" And he touched the tins

"I see," said Hanaud, and he raised his eyebrows thoughtfully The

Commissaire moved with impatience

"From the middle or from the end--what does it matter?" he

exclaimed "The petrol was taken"

Hanaud, however, did not dishtly

"But it is very possible that it does ently

"For example, if Servettaz had had no reason to exaht have been some while before he found out that the petrol

had been taken"

"Indeed, yes," said Servettaz "I otten that I