Page 69 (2/2)

get in my hotel"

"Good heavens!" cried Ricardo, as fairly twittering with

excite about chocolate while ain I must remind you that you are the a drew on, however, Hanaud's professional quietude

deserted hian to start at the sound of footsteps in the

corridor, to glance every other arettes rather than to sram into the room Ricardo seized it

"Calers Ricardo tore it open He juram to Hanaud It had been

sent from Geneva, and it ran thus: "Expect me soon after three--MARTHE GOBIN"

Hanaud nodded his head

"I told you I had hopes" All his levity had gone in an instant

from his manner He spoke very quietly

"I had better send for Wethered his shoulders

"As you like But why raise hopes in that poor round? Consider! Marthe

Gobin has soht points of

evidence which you drew up yesterday in the Villa des Fleurs, and

say whether what she has to tell us is uilt Think well, for I will be guided

by you, M Ricardo," said Hanaud solemnly "If you think it better

that your friend should live in torture until Marthe Gobin comes,

and then perhaps suffer worse torture fros, be

it so You shall decide If, on the other hand, you think it will

be best to leave M Wethermill in peace until we know her story,

be it so You shall decide"