"
As a matter of fact, the police investigation threw no light on the
mystery. It was learned that Victor Danegre was a dangerous
criminal, a drunkard and a debauchee. But, as they proceeded with
the investigation, the mystery deepened and new complications
arose. In the first place, a young woman, Mlle. De Sincleves, the
cousin and sole heiress of the countess, declared that the
countess, a month before her death, had written a letter to her and
in it described the manner in which the black pearl was concealed.
The letter disappeared the day after she received it. Who had
stolen it?
Again, the concierge related how she had opened the door for a
person who had inquired for Doctor Harel. On being questioned, the
doctor testified that no one had rung his bell. Then who was that
person? And accomplice?
The theory of an accomplice was thereupon adopted by the press and
public, and also by Ganimard, the famous detective.
"Lupin is at the bottom of this affair," he said to the judge.
"Bah!" exclaimed the judge, "you have Lupin on the brain. You see
him everywhere."
"I see him everywhere, because he is everywhere."
"Say rather that you see him every time you encounter something you
cannot explain.
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