"Now tell me, my dear Bonnet, have you not been engaged on a recent case--the death of a little singer, called."...
"Nichoune?... That is so. My first case at Châlons."
"I cannot tell you much, for the good reason that this affair is as mysterious as can be, and is giving me no end of trouble.... You knew Nichoune, Fandor?"
"Yes--and no.... I would give a good deal, though, to know who her murderer is!"
"I also," said Bonnet, smiling. "Would I not like to put my hand on the collar of that individual!... Naturally, I want to carry through the enquiry with flying colours!"
"Have you no idea as to who the murderer might be?"
"That is as may be!... It seems that on the eve of her death, this Nichoune received a visit from an old man--a beggar--whom I am unable to identify--who has vanished into thin air.... Would you like me to keep you informed? Rue Richer is still your address?"
"Yes. It would be awfully kind of you to write when you have any fresh facts to disclose about this case. I cannot explain to you all the importance I attach to that, but it is enormous!"
"It is understood, then! Count on me. I shall tell you all I can without breaking professional secrecy.... Shall we take a turn through the rooms, old boy?"
The two men strolled through the thinning rooms, talking of what all the world might hear.
"Dear boy, I must leave you," said Fandor suddenly.... "An interview!... Till our next meeting!"
Fandor went up to a man standing in a doorway, gazing disdainfully at the couples revolving in the centre of the room.
"Will you grant me a word or two, Monsieur Havard?" asked Fandor respectfully.
"Four, if you like, my good Fandor, I am bored to death. I would rather submit to your indiscreet questioning than stick here in a brown study--black, I might say--with only my own thoughts for company."
"Good heavens, Chief! What is troubling you to such an extent?"
"Oh, I will tell you the reason of this melancholy mood!... You are on pretty intimate terms with Juve, are you not?"
"No, no! Be easy!" smiled Monsieur Havard.
He caught Fandor by the lapel of his coat.
"Look here, my dear fellow! It is precisely because you and Juve are on such intimate terms--this friendship between you is a fine thing--that I should like you to use your influence with Juve."