THE outstanding feature of the inquiry into the Mélamare case was probably its futility. In fact, but for the activities of Jean d’Enneris—or Arsène Lupin—the deadlock might have gone on indefinitely.
The two old servants were furious that anyone should dare suspect their irreproachable employers, but all their devotion produced no single piece of exculpatory evidence. Ursule had hardly stirred out of her kitchen that day, except to do the shopping in the morning. When the bell rang, which was rarely, as few visitors came to the house, it was François who struggled into his livery and went to open the door.
A thorough examination established that there was no secret exit from the house. The little recess off the drawing-room, formerly an alcove with couches, was used as a lumber-room. No
