AT FIVE O'CLOCK TO the minute, on the Friday, their motor-car drew up in front of 9, Rue Boissy-d'Anglas. The old inspector was waiting for them on the pavement and, without a word of explanation, led them up to the first-floor of the Thé Japonais.
In one of the rooms they found two persons, whom Ganimard introduced to them.
"M. Gerbois, professor at Versailles College, whom, you will remember, Arsène Lupin robbed of half a million... . M. Léonce d'Hautrec, nephew and residuary legatee of the late Baron d'Hautrec."
The four sat down. A few minutes later, a fifth arrived. It was the chief of the detective-service.
M. Dudouis appeared to be in a rather bad temper. He bowed and said:
"Well, what is it, Ganimard? They gave me your telephone message at headquarters. Is it serious?"
"Very
