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Sebastiani's habits seemed to be subject solely to the duties of his post. He used to go up to the Chateau de Montmaur, walk about in the forest, note the tracks of the game and go his rounds at night.
The proof, therefore, was conclusive; and there was nothing suspicious on that side. Why did Lupin, nevertheless, resolve not to be satisfied with appearances? And why, next day, did he send the Masher to find out things in the neighbourhood of Montmaur? It was an additional precaution, based upon no logical reason, but agreeing with his methodical and careful manner of acting.
At Amiens, where he installed Clarisse, he was only eighteen miles from Montmaur. At eight o'clock he met the Masher not far from the old fortress, which was known in the neighbourhood by the name of Mortepierre, and he examined the locality under his guidance.
The Roman Senators debated the question how a turbot should be cooked, and the author of this dish deserves a place among such. "Montmaur is reported to have said that Easter and Christmas were the two best days in the year. Easter because it was farthest from Lent, and Christmas because then you breakfasted at midnight. Who says this is not equal to Montmaur's Christmas breakfast?"
The Masher's answer was received the next day: "Sebastiani, a Corsican, was recommended to the Duc de Montmaur by the Marquis d'Albufex. He lives at two or three miles from the house, in a hunting-lodge built among the ruins of the feudal stronghold which was the cradle of the Montmaur family." "That's it," said Lupin to Clarisse Mergy, showing her the Masher's letter.
D'Albufex maintained no relations with him outside the hunt. "It is hardly likely," said Prasville, "that the Duc de Montmaur, an exceedingly wealthy man, who is interested only in his estates and his hunting and takes no part in politics, should lend himself to the illegal detention of Daubrecq the deputy in his chateau."
Two days later he received from the Masher, among other information of less importance, a list of the house-party at Montmaur and of all the servants and keepers. One name struck him, among those of the huntsmen. He at once wired: "Inquire about huntsman Sebastiani."
Lupin agreed; but, as he did not wish to leave anything to chance, the next week, seeing d'Albufex go out one morning in riding-dress, he followed him to the Gare du Nord and took the same train. He got out at Aumale, where d'Albufex found a carriage at the station which took him to the Chateau de Montmaur.
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