"Then, plainly speaking, the whole thing remains a mystery?"
"Absolutely," I responded. "All my efforts have unfortunately failed."
"And you entertain no suspicion of anyone?"
"None whatever."
"Not of that woman Yolande--or whatever her name is?"
"Certainly not of her," I answered quickly. "She would assist us, if
necessary."
"Why are you so sure of that? She has only been in Paris a week."
"Because I happen to know her."
"You know her!" exclaimed His Excellency, unclasping his thin white
hands and leaning across his big writing-table--a habit of his when
suddenly interested. "Is she a personal friend of yours?"