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Updated: June 4, 2025
"A perfectly natural detail," Dutreuil retorted, "and one, moreover, which proves nothing at all." "It proves, young man, that you had a good two hours at your disposal." "Obviously. Two hours which I spent at the cinema." "Or somewhere else." Dutreuil looked at him: "Somewhere else?" "Yes. As you were free, you had plenty of time to go wherever you liked ... to Suresnes, for instance."
It was a fair-sized, prettily-furnished room, which, in ordinary times, must have been used also as a study. Two women sat weeping, one of whom, elderly and grey-haired, came up to Gaston Dutreuil. He explained the reason for Renine's presence and she at once cried, amid her sobs: "My daughter's husband is innocent, sir. Jacques? A better man never lived. He was so good-hearted! Murder his cousin?
"And suppose you are wrong?" "I have no choice. Besides, it is too late. There's a knock. Oh, one word more! Whatever I may say, don't contradict me. Nor you, M. Dutreuil." He opened the door. A thin man, with a red imperial, entered: "Prince Renine?" "Yes, sir. You, of course, are from M. Dudouis?" "Yes." And the newcomer gave his name: "Chief-inspector Morisseau."
He is sure to remember Prince Renine. I may be able to-day to show him where the sixty thousand-franc notes are hidden which Aubrieux the murderer stole from his cousin. If he's interested in the proposal, beg him to send an inspector to the Brasserie Lutetia, Place des Ternes. I shall be there with a lady and M. Dutreuil, Aubrieux's friend. Good day, Mr. Secretary."
When the waiter had left him alone with Hortense and Dutreuil, he took down the receiver with a resolute air: "Hullo!... Prefecture of police, please.... Hullo! Hullo!... Is that the Prefecture of police? Please put me on to the criminal investigation department. I have a very important communication to make. You can say it's Prince Renine."
But, just as Renine was opening the door, there was a noise in the passage and the manager ran up, waving his arms: "Is M. Dutreuil still here?... M. Dutreuil, your flat is on fire!... A man outside told us. He saw it from the square." The young man's eyes lit up. For perhaps half a second his mouth was twisted by a smile which Renine noticed: "Oh, you ruffian!" he cried.
Can't you make a more definite accusation?" Renine did not reply. But Gaston Dutreuil wheeled round. He was choking and spluttered: "Mr. Inspector, would you like me to make the accusation more definite, as conveyed by this gentleman's remarks?
Renine's influence over her was complete. With a few sentences Renine had succeeded in subduing her and inspiring her with the will to obey. And once more Hortense realized all the man's power, authority and persuasion. "What was your husband?" he asked, after begging the mother and Gaston Dutreuil to preserve absolute silence. "An insurance-broker." "Lucky in business?" "Until last year, yes."
He caught hold of Dutreuil in the midst of the detectives and pulled him by the arm, gaily exclaiming: "Well done, old man! That trick of yours with the table and the water-bottle was really splendid! A masterpiece, on my word! Only, it didn't come off!" "What do you mean? What's the matter?" mumbled Gaston Dutreuil, staggering.
Holding the receiver in his hand, he turned to Gaston Dutreuil: "I can ask some one to come here, I suppose? We shall be quite undisturbed?" "Quite." He listened again: "The secretary to the head of the criminal investigation department? Oh, excellent! Mr. Secretary, I have on several occasions been in communication with M. Dudouis and have given him information which has been of great use to him.
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