The ivory snuff box
Kummer, Frederic Arnold, 1873-1943
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THE IVORY SNUFF BOX r i j i No no!” she cried in a iense whisper. “Let him alone.” THE IVORY SNUFF BOX By ARNOLD FREDERICKS ILLUSTRATIONS BY WILL GREFE GROSSET & DUNLAP PUBLISHERS :: :i NEW YORK Copyright, 1912, by W. J. WATT & COMPANY Published October. “^3 ys-Lf THE IVORY SNUFF BOX t 1 % ‘ » « » *' I » \ t 9 \ I I t \ A I T t 4 i ' \ . ' ' I THE IVORY SNUFF BOX CHAPTER I The last thing that sounded in Richard Duvall’s ears as he left the oflSce of Monsieur Lefevre, Prefect of Police of Paris, were the latter’s words, spoken in a voice of mingled confidence and alarm, “ The fortunes of a nation may depend upon your faithfulness. Go, and God be with you.” He en- tered the automobile which was drawn up alongside the curb, and accompanied by Vemet, one of the Pre- fect’s assistants, was soon threading the torrent of traffic which pours through the Rue de Rivoli, The thoughts which lay uppermost in the detect- ive’s mind were of Grace, his wife; Grace Ellicott, who had become Grace Duvall but little more than an hour before. By this time he had expected to be on his way to Cherbourg, en route to New York, with Grace by his side. They had looked forward so hap- pily to their honeymoon, on shipboard, and now — he 7 THE IVORY SNUFF BOX found himself headed for London on this mysterious expedition, and Grace waiting for him in vain at the pension. The thought was maddening. He swore softly to himself as he looked out at the crowded street. Monsieur Lefevre had no right to ask so great a sacrifice of him, he grumbled. What if he had dis- tinguished himself, made himself the Prefect’s most valued assistant, during the past six or eight months ? The matters which had brought him from New York to Paris had all been definitely concluded — Grace and he were married — his plans had all been made, to return to America, and home. Now at the last moment, it was frightfully exasperating to have Mon- sieur Lefevre insist that matters of so grave a nature had occurred, that the honor of his very country was at stake, and to call upon him, Duvall, as the one man who could set matters right. Of course, it was very flattering, but he wanted, not flattery, but Grace, and all the happiness which lay before them. What, after all, was this matter, this affair so vague and mysterious, into which he had so unexpectedly been thrown He drew out the instructions which the Perfect had hurriedly thrust into his hands, and looked at them with eager curiosity. 8 THE IVORY SNUFF BOX They covered but one side of a small sheet of paper. Visit immediately number 87, Rue de Richelieu,’* they said. “ It is a small curio shop. Monsieur Du- frenne, the proprietor, expects you, and will join you at once. Proceed without delay to London and re- port to Monsieur de Grissac, the French Ambassador. He has lost an ivory snuff box, which you must re- cover as quickly as possible. You will find money enclosed herewith. Monsieur Defrenne you can trust in all things. God be with you. — Lefevre.’’ It was the first time that Duvall had read the in- structions. He had not had an opportunity to do so before. As he concluded his examination of them, his face hardened, his brow contracted in a frown, and he crushed the piece of paper in his hand. Was this some absurd joke that Monsieur Lefevre was play- ing upon him.? The idea of separating him from Grace upon their wedding day, to send him on an expedition, the object of wliich was to recover a lost snuff box! It seemed preposterous. In his anger he muttered aa exclamation which attracted the at- tention of Vemet. He was, in fact, on the point of stopping the automobile, and going at once to the pension where Grace was waiting for him, her trunks packed for their wedding journey. The impassive 9 THE IVORY SNUFF BOX face of the Frencliman beside him relaxed a trifle, as he saw Duvall’s agitation. “ What is it. Monsieur Duvall ? ” he inquired. “ Do you know anything about this matter that makes it necessary for me to go to London.? ” de- manded Duvall. “ Nothing, monsieur, except that your train leaves — ” he consulted his watch — “ in twenty min- utes.” Duvall drew out a cigar and lit it, with a gesture of annoyance. “ The matter does not appear very important,” he grumbled. Vernet permitted a slight smile to cross his usually immobile face. “ I have been in the service of the Prefect for ten years,” he remarked, “ and I have learned that he wastes very little time upon unim- portant things.” He leaned out and spoke to the chauffeur, and in a moment the car halted before a dingy little shop, on the lower floor of an old and dilapidated-looking house. “ Here is the place of Monsieur Dufrenne,” he remarked significantly. Duvall threw open the door of the cab, and en- tered the dusty and cobwebbed doorway. He found himself in a small dimly lighted room, so crowded with curios of all sorts that he at first did not per- 10 THE IVORY SNUFF BOX ceive the little white-haired old man who bent over a jeweler’s work bench in one corner. The walls were lined with shelves, upon which stood bits of ivory and porcelain, miniatures of all sorts, old pieces of silverware, bronze and copper, old coins, and rusty antique weapons. About the walls stood innumerable pictures, old and cracked, in dilapidated-looking frames, while from the ceiling were suspended bits of rusty armor, swords, brass censers, Chinese lamps, and innumerable other objects, the use of which he could scarcely guess. All these things he saw, in a queer jumble of im- pressions, as his eyes swept the place. In a moment the little old man in the comer turned, peering at him over his steel-rimmed spectacles. You wish to see me, monsieur.? ” he inquired in a thin, cracked voice. ‘‘ Yes, I am Richard Duvall, I come from Mon- sieur the Prefect of Police.” The man at the workbench, on hearing these words, rose to his insignificant height, dropping as he did so the watch over which he had been working. He swept his tools into a drawer with a single gesture, turned to the wall behind him, drew on a thin gray overcoat and a dark slouch hat, and stepped from be- ll THE IVORY SNUFF BOX hind the counter. “ I am ready, monsieur,” he re- marked, without a trace of agitation or excitement. “ Let us go.” Duvall turned to the door without further words, and threw it open. The old man motioned to him to pass out, and after the detective had done so, closed and locked the door carefully and followed him into the cab. Duvall observed that he was frail, and un- certain in his steps, and so bent from constant labor over his bench, that he gave one almost the impression of being hunchbacked. He took his seat beside the detective without a word, and in a moment the whole party was being driven rapidly toward the Gare du Nord, Duvall could not repress a feeling of admiration for the way in which Dufrenne had received him. He had asked no questions, delayed him by no prepara- tions, but had merely thrown down his tools, put on his hat, and started out. The importance or lack of importance of the matters which called him he did not inquire into — it was evidently quite enough, that Monsieur Lefevre desired his services. It made the detective feel somewhat ashamed of his recent ill nature, yet he could not but remember that this was his wedding day, and that in leaving his wife with- 12 THE IVORY SNUFF BOX out even so much as a farewell word, he had given her good reason for doubting his love for her. Of course, he knew, the Prefect had assured him that he would explain everything to Grace, but such explanations were not likely to appeal very strongly to a girl who had been married but little more than an hour. It was, therefore, in a very dissatisfied frame of mind that he entered the compartment of the train for Boulogne. The compartment was a smoking one, and he and Dufrenne had it all to themselves. The little old Frenchman drew out a much-stained meerschaum pipe and began placidly to smoke it. His manner toward the detective was respectful, friendly indeed, yet he made no attempts at conversation, and seemed quite satisfied to sit and gaze out of the car window at the fields and villages as they swept by. Presently Du- vall spoke. “ Monsieur Dufrenne,” he began, slowly, “ you are no doubt familiar with the matter which takes us to London.? ” Dufrenne withdrew his gaze from the window and faced about in his seat with a nervous little gesture of assent. ‘‘ I understand that Monsieur de Grissac has been robbed of his snuff box,” he rephed. IS THE IVORY SNUFF BOX Is that all you know ? ” Duvall inquired pointedly. ‘‘ Surely the recovery of an article of so little consequence cannot be the real purpose of our visit.” The little old man shrugged his shoulders, with an almost inperceptible gesture of dissent. I know nothing of the matter, monsieur,” he remarked, sig- nificantly, “ except that my country has called me, and that I am here.” He spoke the words proudly, as though he considered the fact that he had been called upon an honor. But surely, you must have some idea, monsieur, of your purpose in being here ? ” ‘‘ Yes. That is indeed quite simple. On one oc- casion I was called upon to repair the snuff box of Monsieur de Grissac, the Ambassador. In that way I am familiar with its appearance. Now that it is lost, I am requested to accompany you, monsieur, in your attempt to recover it, in order that I may as- sist you in identifying it.” And beyond that, you know nothing.? ” ‘‘ Nothing, monsieur.” Duvall began to chew the end of his cigar in vex- ation. Of all the absurd expeditions, this seemed the most absurd. Presently he turned to Dufrenne and 14 THE IVORY SNUFF BOX again spoke. ‘‘ In your repairs upon this snuff box, to which so great a value is apparently attached, did you observe anything about it of a peculiar nature — anything to make its loss a matter of such grave importance ? ” “ Nothing, monsieur. It is a small, round ivory box, with a carved top, quite plain and of little value — ” “ But the contents? What, perhaps, did Monsieur de Grissac carry within it? ” Snuff, monsieur. It was quite half-full when it came to me, last April. Monsieur de Grissac was in Paris at the time. The spring which actuates the top had become broken — the box is very old, monsieur — and I was required to repair it. That is all I know.” “ And you close your shop, and leave Paris with- out a word, just for a thing like that? ” Dufrenne straightened his bent shoulders, and his eyes sparkled. “ When France calls me, monsieur, I have nothing to do but obey.” His reply seemed almost in the nature of a reproof. Duvall made no further comment and re- lapsed into a brown study. After all, he knew, even in his irritation, that Monsieur Lefevre had not sent him upon this adventure without some real and very 15 THE IVORY SNUFF BOX good reason. Yet try as he would, he was unable to imagine what this reason could be. At Boulogne they transferred to the boat for Folk- stone, and after a quiet passage, found themselves on board the train for London. They reached Charing Cross early in the evening, and taking a cab, drove at once to Monsieur de Grissac’s residence in Pic- cadilly, opposite Green Park. 16 CHAPTER II WHILE Richard Duvall was thus flying toward Boulogne, racking his brains in a futile at- tempt to discover the reasons for his sudden and un- expected dispatch to London, Grace, his wife, equally mystified, was proceeding in the direction of Brus- sels. The reasons for her going to Brussels were no more clear to her than were Richard’s, to him. At the conclusion of the wedding breakfast which had fol- lowed her simple marriage to Duvall, she had gone to the pension at which she had been living, to await her husband’s return. She had not then understood the mysterious message which had summoned him to the Prefect’s office, nor, for that matter, had he, but he had assured her that he would return in a short while, and that had been enough for her. Her patient waiting had been finally terminated by the arrival of the Prefect himself, who had ex- plained with polite brevity that a matter of the 17 THE IVORY SNUFF BOX gravest importance had made it necessary for him to send Richard at once to London. The girl’s grief and alarm had been great — Mon- sieur Lefevre had at last, however, succeeded in con- vincing her that Richard could not under the circum- stances have done anything but go. His position as an assistant to Lefevre, and more particularly the friendship which existed between them, made it im- perative for him to come to the Prefect’s assistance in this crisis. What the crisis was, Grace did not learn. She had insisted upon following Richard, upon being near him, upon assisting him, should opportunity offer, and Monsieur Lefevre, seized with a sudden in- spiration, had dispatched her to Brussels, with the assurance that she would not only see her husband very soon, but might be able to render both him, and France, a very signal service. Grace had accepted the mission; her desire to be near Richard was a compelling motive, and as a re- sult she found herself flying toward the Belgian fron- tier, on an early afternoon express, with no idea whatever of what lay before her, and only a few words, written by Monsieur Lefevre upon a page torn from his notebook, to govern her future actions. 18 THE IVORY SNUFF BOX She luckily was able to find a compartment in one of the first-class carriages where she could be alone, and sank back upon the cushioned seat, determined to face whatever dangers the future might hold, for the sake of her husband. Her mind traveled, in retrospect, over the events of the past few months — the conspiracy against her, by her step-uncle. Count d’Este, by which he had so nearly deprived her of the fortune left to her by her aunt, and the striking way in which his plans had been upset by Richard Duvall. She had loved him at their very first meeting, and now that they had become husband and wife, she loved him more than ever. It is small wonder that the thought of the way in which he had been suddenly torn from her, on the eve of their weddiilg journey, brought tears to her eyes. Presently she regained her composure and looked at the sheet of paper which the Prefect had handed to her. It contained but a few words : “ Proceed to the Hotel Metropole, Brussels. Take a room in the name of Grace Ellicott, and wait further instruc- tions.” That was all — no hint of how or when she and Richard were to meet, or what had been the cause of their separation. Once more the cruelty of the 19 THE IVORY SNUFF BOX situation brought tears to her eyes. While feeling in her handbag for her handkerchief, she drew out the small silver ring which the Prefect had handed to her at the last moment. “ Trust any one,” he had said, “ who comes to you with such a token as this.” She examined the ring carefully, but the singular de- vice worked in gold upon the silver band, meant noth- ing to her. At length she placed the ring carefully upon her finger, and proceeded to cover it by putting on her glove. For a long time she sat, speculating upon the strange workings of fate, which doomed her to be thus speeding alone to Brussels, instead of to Cher- bourg, en route to America, with Richard by her side. The sight of two lovers, who boarded the train at St. Quentin, increased her dissatisfaction. They came into the compartment, evidently quite wrapped up in each other, and even the presence of a third person did not prevent them from holding each other’s hands under the cover of a friendly magazine, and gazing at each other with longing eyes. Grace was quite unable to endure the sight of their happiness — she turned away and buried herself in her thoughts. Presently the adventure-loving side of her nature began to assert itself. Richard had been sent on a 20 THE IVORY SNUFF BOX mission of the greatest importance — one involving, Monsieur Lefevre had told her, the honor of both his country and himself. And she was to share it — to take part in its excitement, its dangers. The thought stirred all her love of the mysterious, the un- usual. After all, since she had become the wife of a man whose profession in life was the detection of crime, should she not herself take an interest, an ac- tive part in his work, and thereby encourage and as- sist him.^^ The thought made her impatient of all delay — she felt herself almost trying to urge the train to quicker motion — she was glad when at last they roared into the station at Brussels. Grace had never before been in the Belgian capital, but she summoned a cab, and proceeded without diffi- culty to the Hotel Metropole. Here she was assigned to a small suite, and at once began to unpack the steamer trunk which was the only baggage she had brought with her. It was after four o’clock when she had completed this task, and had removed the stains of travel and changed her gown. As she came into the tiny parlor which formed the second of the two rooms of the suite, she heard a tapping at the door, and upon opening it, discovered one of the hotel maids, waiting outside with fresh towels. The girl came in. THE IVORY SNUFF BOX and busied herself setting to rights the toilet articles on the washstand. Grace, who was engaged in list- lessly watching the traffic in the square outside, paid no attention to her. Presently she heard the girl come in from the bedroom, and inquire if there was anything else that she could do for her. Noth- ing,” she replied, without turning. The maid, how- ever, did not leave the room, but stood near by, observ- ing her. Grace faced about. That is all,” she said sharply. “ I have something to say to you, mademoiselle,” the girl whispered in a low tone, as she took a step forward. “ A message from Monsieur Lefevre.” ‘‘ Monsieur Lefevre.? You.? ” “ Yes, mademoiselle, I am in his confidence. I know the purpose of your visit here, and I come to give you further instructions.” She spoke quietly, impressively, and Grace was convinced that she was what she represented herself to be. Still, she felt the necessity of caution. “ Please explain,” she re- marked, without further committing herself. The girl approached still closer, and reaching into the bosom of her dress, drew out a ring similar to the one which the Prefect had given Grace. It was at- tached to a bit of ribbon. She glanced at the ring THE IVORY SNUFF BOX on Grace’s finger and smiled. “ May I suggest, mademoiselle,” she said, that you place the ring you are wearing where it will be less conspicuous ? ” Grace colored slightly at the criticism which the woman’s words implied, but drew the ring from her finger and placed it in her purse. “ 'Wliat have you to say to me.? ” she inquired. This, mademoiselle. Certain persons, whose identity is not known to the police, have committed a theft in London — in fact, have stolen a valuable article from the French Ambassador there, Monsieur de Grissac. This theft was committed this morning.” “ What did they steal ? ” asked Grace. “ Monsieur de Grissac’s ivory snuff box, mademoi- selle.” ‘‘ His snuflp box.? You don’t mean to say that they are making all this fuss over a trifling thing like a snuff box .? ” Yes, mademoiselle. Such is, indeed, the case.” “ But why.? ” That I cannot tell. I do not know. It is suffi- cient to me that Monsieur Lefevre wishes it recov- ered. In our service, mademoiselle, we are not supposed to ask questions, but to obey orders.” Grace repressed her annoyance as best she could. THE IVORY SNUFF BOX “ I suppose it must be very valuable,’’ she remarked, lamely. “ Undoubtedly. Very valuable, as you say. Now that it is stolen, it must be recovered without delay. Monsieur Lefevre informs us here in Brussels that others have gone to London to recover it. Should they fail to do so — we believe that the persons who have committed the theft will come here.” « Why?” “ Because they are acting, we believe, in the im terests of a certain Dr. Hartmann, who is a resident of Brussels.” “ Why should this Dr. Hartmann want the box? ” asked Grace, somewhat mystified. “ That I am unable to tell you. He is an enemy of my country. He has many agents, and is a man of great power.” ‘‘ But why don’t you arrest him? ” ‘‘ Alas, mademoiselle, you do not understand. This Dr. Hartmann is a physician of great prominence. His cures of nervous and mental disorders have made him famous throughout Europe. He has in Brussels — just outside the city, a sanatorium, where he re- ceives and treats his patients. He is looked up to by all. His work as an, enemy of France is quite 24* THE IVORY SNUFF BOX secret, known to but a few. Even we know very little about it.” “ Then how do you know that he had anything to do with the matter of this snuff box.?^ ” “ We do not know it — we only surmise. There is a reason, which I am not permitted at present to tell you, which causes Monsieur Lefevre to believe that Dr. Hartmann had a hand in this matter. It is for that reason, indeed, that he has sent you here.” “ What can I do.? ” “ I will tell you. For a long time we have tried to get one of our own agents into Dr. Hartmann’s house, but without success. He is very shrewd — very cautious. All his servants are countrymen of his, upon whom he knows he can depend. His pa- tients are people of wealth, position, standing, who, he knows, could not possibly be agents of the French police. He will take no others, and always insists upon the strictest references. It is for these rea- sons that we have failed. Now an opportunity pre- sents itself for you, mademoiselle, to accomphsh that which the police cannot accomplish. You are an American girl, of prominent family, of wealth, of posi- tion. I am informed that your aunt, by her second marriage, was the Countess d’Este. Should you 25 THE IVORY SNUFF BOX apply to Dr. Hartmann for treatinent, you will have no difficulty in obtaining admission, for he could not, by any chance, think that Miss Grace EUicott, of New York, was in the employ of the French secret police. You observe, mademoiselle. Monsieur the Prefect’s ob- ject in sending you to Brussels? ” Grace nodded. She was beginning to feel a keen interest in the matter. But I am not ill,” she said, with a laugh. “ How can I ask Dr. Hartmann to treat me? ” ‘‘We have thought of that. The matter has been under consideration ever since we were advised, early this afternoon, that you were coming. We have thought it best that you represent yourself to the doctor as a somnambulist.” “ A sleep walker ? ” “ Precisely. It is a form of nervous trouble which is by no means infrequent. We are informed that Dr. Hartmann has treated several such cases in the past. There are not symptoms, except a state of nervousness on the part of the patient which in your case it is probable the excitement of the enterprise will supply, and, of course, the tendency to walking in the sleep. This latter you must assume.” “ Assume? ” THE IVORY SNUFF BOX Yes. You must pretend to be a somnambulist. You must get up, each night, at some hour, and wander about the house — pretending to be oblivious of all about you. You are not normally conscious. You are in a walking dream. Your eyes are fixed ahead — seeing no one. It wiU not be difficult for you to pretend all this — and naturally, by wandering about in this way, you may — we hope you will — have excellent opportunities to observe what goes on within the doctor’s walls.” “Is that all I am to do — just watch.? “ I think not. If we are unable, by other means, to prevent the stolen box from being delivered to Dr. Hartmann, it must be recovered from him, at any cost — at any cost whatever — ” the woman repeated, significantly. “ Even life itself cannot be spared, in this case. The box must he recovered, no matter what the price we pay — so we are informed by Monsieur Lefevre.” “ Then if it should pass into his possession, I may have to steal it.? Is that what you mean.? ” “ Undoubtedly, and at the very first opportunity.” The girl rose, gathered up the soiled towels which she had taken from the bedroom, and went toward the door. “ That is all, mademoiselle, except that you will com- THE IVORY SNUFF BOX municate to us any news of importance by means of a young man who goes to the house each morning and evening to deliver bread. He comes in a small wagon, and you will no doubt be able to speak with him, as he enters or leaves the grounds. He is quite safe, and can be trusted. Address your communications to him verbally — no letters, understand ; they are al- ways dangerous. And now, let me suggest that you arrange to see Dr. Hartmann at once.” “But — he may require reference — credentials.” “We have thought of that, and have prepared the way. One of our men has ascertained that the United States Minister here is acquainted with you — that your family is known to him. Your aunt, you will remember, was quite prominent in society, in New York, at the time she married Monsieur the Count d’Este. Whether the Minister is acquainted with you personally, we have not been able to learn, but that he knows who you are, is certain.” “ Then I had best call upon him, and arrange for letters to Dr. Hartmann.” “ That is the best course. His house is near by. Take a cab at once, go to him, and state your errand. You will have no difficulty, I feel sure.” She noise- lessly opened the door, and in a moment was gone, 28 THE rVORY SNUFF BOX leaving Grace in a state of wonder. She did not waste much time, however, in speculating upon the curious affair in which she found herself involved, but putting on her hat, started off at once in search of the American Minister, CHAPTER III WHEN Richard Duvall and his companion en- tered the house of the French Ambassador in London, it was evident that their arrival was ex- pected. The detective had no more than given his name to the butler who threw open the door, when the latter, with a bow of recognition, conducted them to a small reception-room to the right of the entrance, and informed them that Monsieur de Grissac would see them at once. They did not have long to wait. The Ambassador, a thin, spare, nervous-looking man of sixty, with white hair and a gray-white mustache, came hurriedly into the room after but a few moments had elapsed, and greeting them excitedly, bade them be seated. He himself remained standing, his back to the fireplace, twirling his eyeglasses at the end of their black silk $ ribbon, and observing his visitors keenly. “ Monsieur Lefevre had informed me of your com- ing, gentlemen,” he presently burst out. “ We have no time to lose.” 30 THE IVORY SNUFF BOX Let us have the details of the affair, monsieur,’^ Duvall remarked, seating himself comfortably in his chair. ‘‘ So far we are completely in the dark.” You know, do you not, that a valuable article, a small snuff box, to be exact — has been stolen from me ? ” “ Yes. Of that I have been informed,” the detect- ive remarked, dryly. “ I am curious to learn why the loss of an article of so trivial a nature should be regarded with such seriousness.” The Ambassador’s eyes snapped — he seemed al- most to resent the detective’s attitude. ‘‘ It should be sufficient, monsieur, I think, that it is so regarded. The task before us is to recover it — not discuss the reasons for doing so.” ‘‘ I disagree with you, monsieur. If the real value of the stolen article is kept from me, how can I draw any conclusions as to the probable object of its theft.? Was it intrinsically valuable.? Did it contain any- thing of value.? In short, why should any one have taken the trouble to steal it.? Tell me that, and I can act intelligently. Otherwise, I shall be only groping about in the dark.” “ I do not think so, monsieur.” The Ambassador bent upon DuvaU a searching glance. “ The fact that 31 THE IVORY SNUFF BOX the box is gone should be sufficient. All that I ask is that you recover it. You must trace its disappear- ance from the material facts of the case. Conjecture will avail us nothing.” “ Is the box then of no value? ” “ I have not said so. As a matter of fact, its value is great. It has been an heirloom in my family for many years. At one time it belonged to Cardinal Mazarin.” “ You think, then, that its intrinsic value alone might have prompted the theft? ” “ I think so — indeed, I very greatly hope so.” « Why? ” The Ambassador recovered himself with a start. Evidently he had said more than he intended. It was some time before he answered the question and then he did so lamely. “ Its theft by someone interested in its value as a curiosity would enable me to recover it most readily — by the payment, of course, of a sum of money.” “ True. But I assume, from what you say, that there might be other reasons; that it might have been taken by those who suspected that it had an- other value? ” For a moment Monsieur de Grissac appeared con- S2 THE IVORY SNUFF BOX fused. Then he waved his hand impatiently. “ There are those,” he said, ‘‘ who seek to injure me. They know that I prized this thing highly. Their ^motive may have been — not money, but revenge. In that case, its recovery will be vastly more difficult.” Duvall saw that Monsieur de Grissac was not being frank with him, and for a moment he was conscious of a deep sense of annoyance. Monsieur Lefevre had, heretofore, invariably taken him into his con- fidence. He controlled his feelings, however, and ap- peared to be satisfied with the Ambassador’s expla- nations. ‘‘What did the box contain. Monsieur de Grissac,” he asked, pleasantly. “ A quantity of snuff, monsieur.” “ Nothing else.f’ ” “ Nothing.” “ Oh ! And you, monsieur, are in the habit of using snuff.? ” “ Yes. It is the only form in which I use tobacco. Old-fashioned, perhaps, but I belong to the older generation.” He straightened himself up suddenly. “ Let us proceed, gentlemen. I fear we are wasting valuable time.” Duvall nodded. “ Permit me to ask you a few more questions.” THE IVORY SNUFF BOX I am at your service, monsieur.” ‘‘ When did you last see the box? ” ‘‘ This morning, at nine o’clock. I always carry it in the right-hand pocket of my waistcoat. To in- sure its safety, I had it attached to a long gold chain, which was securely fastened to the inside of the pocket. I rose this morning somewhat late, having attended a banquet last night. After having my coffee and rolls in my bedroom, I went to my dress- ing-room to be shaved. As I did so, I paused for a moment, drew the snuff box from the pocket of my white evening waistcoat, which my valet had hung in a closet the night before, and took a pinch of snuff from it. I then replaced it in the pocket and entered the dressing-room adjoining, where Noel, my man, was waiting for me. He proceeded to shave me as usual, and I began to dress. Upqn going to the closet in my bedroom to remove the box, and fasten it by means of the chain to the clasp in the pocket of the waistcoat I had just put on, I was amazed to find it gone. I at once summoned Noel — ” “ Summoned him? ” interrupted the detective. Was he not with you in the room? ” “ No. A few moments before — as soon, in fact, 34 THE IVORY SNUFF BOX as I had completed dressing, he left the apartment to give some instructions to my chauffeur.” “ What did you do then? ” “ I at once rushed out into the hall, calling for Noel.” “ You believed, then, that he had taken the box? ” “ I could believe nothing else. No one but he had been in my rooms.” “ Oh ! I see. And you questioned him ? ” “ Yes. On reaching the hall I met one of the maids ascending the stairway. I called to her, asking if she had seen Noel. She had not. She had been in the servants’ hall — talking with the chauffeur — Noel had not been there.” ‘‘What did you do then? ” “ I rushed to his room, which is on the floor above, thinking that, if he had taken the box, and proposed to deny the fact, he would have gone there to secrete it.” “ Would he not have been more likely to leave the house immediately since he knew you would discover your loss at once? ” “ No. He would realize that to flee would be to admit his guilt. He could not have gone more than 35 THE IVORY SNUFF BOX a few hundred feet. Capture would have been in- evitable.” Did you find the man in the room? ” He was just leaving it as I came up.” “ What did you do then? ” “ I ordered him back into the room, and questioned him sharply. He denied all knowledge of the matter, and appeared to be deeply hurt at my suspicions.” “ Did you believe him? ” “ I do not know. The matter is incomprehensible. Noel has been in my service for eight years. I sup- posed him absolutely incorruptible — absolutely hon- est. He also insists that after I left the bedroom, and came into the dressing-room to be shaved, he did not leave me, nor again enter the bedroom; in which case, he could not have committed the theft.” “ Is this true? ” “ So far as I can remember, it is.” He spoke in a slightly hesitating way, and Duvall at once noticed it. “ You are, then, not absolutely sure? ” he asked. “ I feel confident that Noel did not leave me, nor enter the bedroom. If I hesitated for a moment, it arose from the fact that on one or two occasions I have fallen asleep while being shaved, but this morn- ing I am quite sure that I did not do so.” S6 THE IVORY SNUFF BOX “ Yet you were up late last night, and awoke feel- ing sleepy and tired.” “ Yes.” The Ambassador nodded. “ That is true.” Is there any other door to the bedroom ? ” None, except that which opens into my bath. The bath-room has no windows. It is an inside room.” “ And the bedroom.? ” “ It has two windows, facing upon the adjoining property. There is quite thirty feet of space between the two buildings and the windows are at least twenty- five feet from the ground.” “ What room is above ? ” A guest’s chamber, unused and locked.” Duvall rose and began to stride up and down the room, chewing viciously upon his unlighted cigar. ‘‘ After you finished questioning the man, what did you do then.? ” “ I searched his room thoroughly, and made him turn out the contents of his pockets, his trunk and bureau drawers.” “ And you found — .? ” Nothing. That was before noon to-day. Since then, I have kept the man locked in his room, await- 37 THE IVORY SNUFF BOX ing your coming. One of the other servants has re- mained on guard outside his door ever since.” “ You did not, then, notify the police.? ” No. The matter is one that, for reasons of my own, I do not wish to become public.” ‘‘ Has anything been heard from your prisoner since this morning? ” ‘‘ Yes. He asked for pen and ink about one o’clock this afternoon. I went up to see him, to find out why he wanted them. He seemed deeply affected, was almost in tears, and apparently afraid to meet my gaze. He said he wished to write a note, breaking an engagement he had had for this afternoon. He usually had Wednesday afternoons off. I permitted him to write the letter.” Duvall began to show signs of deep interest on hear- ing this. “ Where is it? ” he exclaimed. “ What, monsieur ? ” The Ambassador evidently did not follow him. “ The letter.” “ I sent it, of course.” ‘‘ But you read it first? ” “ Yes. It was addressed to a man named Seitz, Oscar Seitz, if I recollect correctly, at a barber shop in Piccadilly Circus, which, as you know, is close by. 38 THE IVORY SNUFF BOX This fellow Seitz was a friend of Noel’s, I have several times heard him speak of him. They were accustomed to spend their afternoons off together, I understand.” “And the note?” asked Duvall, impatientlj', “ What did it say ? ” “ Merely that Noel was unable to keep his appoint- ment for that afternoon, and did not expect to see his friend again before his departure. Seitz must have been planning some trip. The letter, as I re- member, was quite cool, almost unfriendly in its tone.” Duvall glanced at his watch. “ This was about one o’clock you say? ” “ Yes. The matter has no significance. We are wasting our time discussing it.” “ On the contrary, monsieur, I fear it may have had the greatest significance. That letter should never have been delivered. Even now, it may be too late to prevent the consequences. Be so good, mon« sieur, as to conduct me to this man Noel’s room at once.” He turned to Dufrenne. “ You will accom- pany us, of course, Monsieur Dufrenne,” he said, then followed the Ambassador toward the hall. In a few moments they reached the third floor of the house, and passed along a short hall which gave THE IVORY SNUFF BOX entrance to a rear extension of the building, in which the servants’ quarters were located. At the entrance of the hall, a maid was seated upon a stool, read- ing a book. She rose as the others approached, and stood respectfully aside. “ Has anything been heard from Noel.? ” the Am- bassador asked. “ Has he asked for anything.? ” “ Nothing, monsieur. He has been quiet ever since six o’clock, when I took him his supper.” “ What was he doing when you entered .? ” “ Writing, monsieur. He was sitting at the table, with a pen in his hand, and he looked up and told me to put the tray on the trunk. ‘ I shall ask you to take this letter to Monsieur de Grissac as soon as I have finished it,’ he said. Since then I have heard nothing from him.” Duvall had preceded the Ambassador and Du- frenne to the door at the end of the short hall, and stood listening intently. In a moment, De Grissac came up, and, unlocking the door, threw it open. The room was dimly illuminated by a single candle, which smoked and guttered in its socket, apparently nearly burned out. Nothing was at first to be seen of the valet. Duvall stepped forward, then turned quickly 40 Duvall, dropping on one knee beside the body, felt for the man’s heart. i - ' ii A’ ' ■ ■ ■>'. f i., ‘' ■ f^' ■ • ^t* •'*/.'•■ A" 'fc . / f , jii ®> SS. i'» « ► I. ' ' '^T *' . -' \»*‘^ ’ " M. • ■Vw-l* • _ .r*. ^ Tw !f 5^'^. Ur *i • *'''■) -:'r,*-!fe.r^^ 'f'^t ts: ~. vii -) ^ . V, ^**f CV'A ,.•■>.>, y. .*“^* a A:«. V i"' tV- Ai’ ,' ' •'* • • > ,A » N. THE IVORY SNUFF BOX and spoke. “ Shut the door, please,” he said in a tense voice. Dufrenne did so, while the Ambassador strode for- ward and f ollowed Duvall’s gaze with a look of horror. On the floor beside the bed, and to the far side of the room from the door, lay the body of the unfor- tunate valet, his face, ghastly pale, turned toward the ceiling. But it was neither the sight of the man lying there, apparently dead, nor the agonized expression of his face, which caused both the Ambassador and Duvall to start back with exclamations of surprise. Across the man’s lips was a great, dull-red blotch, which at first appeared to be a clot of blood, but which seemed, from its circular form and regular con- tour, more like a huge seal. And seal it was. Duvall, dropping on one knee beside the body, felt for the man’s heart, at the same time looking closely at the mark upon his lips. He was quite dead, and had ap- parently been so for an hour or two. The blot upon his face was a great lump of red sealing wax, tightly binding together his lips, and upon it was the coarse imprint of a man’s forefingers. The Ambassador shrank back with a cry, as his eyes fell upon the ghastly sight. Dufrenne gazed 41 THE IVORY SNUFF BOX at the dead man impassively. Duvall, springing to his feet, went at once to the window at the rear of the room, which stood partly open, and raising it to its full extent, looked out. The others heard him give utterance to a low whistle, as he drew back into the room. 