"Now, tell me, did the man who took a picture from the walls carry it down the ladder himself, or did he hand it through the window to a man who was standing on the top of a ladder ready to receive it?" he said.
Victoire paused as if to recall their action; then she said, "Oh, he got through the window, and carried it down the ladder himself."
"You're sure of that?" said Guerchard.
"Oh, yes, I am quite sure of it—why should I deceive you, Mr. Inspector?" said Victoire quickly; and the Duke saw the first shadow of uneasiness on her face.
"Of course not," said Guerchard. "And where were you?"
"Oh, they put me behind the screen."
"No, no, where were you when you came into the room?"
"I was against the door," said Victoire.
"And where was the screen?" said Guerchard. "Was it before the fireplace?"
"No; it was on one side—the left-hand side," said Victoire.
"Oh, will you show me exactly where it stood?" said Guerchard.
Victoire rose, and, Guerchard aiding her, set the screen on the left-hand side of the fireplace.
