"
"What do you conclude from that?"
"Nothing. These facts would doubtless explain the cause for the
restitution, but that is a side issue that I cannot wait to
investigate. The main question is the secret passage. First, tell
me, is there a chapel some two or three hundred metres from the
castle?"
"Yes, a ruined chapel, containing the tomb of Duke Rollo."
"Tell your chauffer to wait for us near that chapel."
"My chauffer hasn't returned. If he had, they would have informed
me. Do you think the secret passage runs to the chapel? What
reason have--"
"I would ask you, monsieur," interrupted the detective, "to furnish
me with a ladder and a lantern."
"What! do you require a ladder and a lantern?"
"Certainly, or I shouldn't have asked for them."
Devanne, somewhat disconcerted by this crude logic, rang the bell.
The two articles were given with the sternness and precision of
military commands.
"Place the ladder against the bookcase, to the left of the word
Thibermesnil."
Devanne placed the ladder as directed, and the Englishman
continued:
"More to the left....to the right....There!....Now, climb up....
All the letters are in relief, aren't they?"
"Yes.
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