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"Speak, my friend," said Hanaud

"I went to the shop of M Corval Mlle Celie was quite alone when

she bought the cord But a few minutes later, in the Rue du

Casino, she and M slowly in

the direction of the villa No other woman ith theesture he

dis--nothing," said Wetherroan

"We must not yet lose heart, for we know a little more about the

woly

"True," exclaimed Ricardo "We have Helene Vauquier's description

of her We gestion," he cried "We must think over

that," and he clapped his hand to his forehead with a gesture of

self-reproach "Why did not such a fine idea occur to me, fool

that I am! However, ill call the head waiter"

The head waiter was sent for and appeared before them

"You knew Mme Dauvray?" Hanaud asked

"Yes,up his hands

"And you knew her young coenerally had their meals here See, at

that little table over there! I kept it for them But monsieur

knoell"--and the waiter looked towards Harry Wethermill--"for

monsieur was often with them"

"Yes," said Hanaud "Did Mht?"

"No, ht"

"Nor Mlle Celie?"

"No, monsieur! I do not think they were in the Villa des Fleurs at