"The paper you seek is not here, Monsieur," said the countess proudly.
"I say it is here! Give it to me at once!"
"Officers, this is your man! Take him!" shouted Mr. Stuart.
Two of the officers seized and handcuffed the second man, but the old man with surprising agility leaped from the room, and the officers could find not the slightest trace of him.
"Ah, Mr. Stuart," said the countess, "I do not know what chance brought you to my rescue, but help was greatly needed and I am grateful."
"Ruth overheard a talk this evening and sent us here to see if we could serve you. The plot was instigated by Monsieur Duval."
"That old man was Monsieur Duval himself. He is a very dangerous enemy to have."
"That I already know, Countess. After we learned of your danger, Mollie gave me the paper you had put in her care. It was hardly prudent to give such a document to a young girl. I think we are entitled to an explanation."
"Ah, please not to-night, Monsieur! But may I ask you to bring Miss Stuart and the girls here to-morrow afternoon? Then I shall be glad to tell you my story."
"Very well," replied Mr. Stuart stiffly, displeased at the countess' lack of frankness.
On Mr. Stuart's return to the hotel the girls overwhelmed him with questions and called eagerly for a glimpse of the mysterious paper.
Mr. Stuart unfolded the document. It was signed by the Prefect of Police of Paris and stamped with the official seal. Two photographs were pasted to the sheet and under each was a description of the man.
"The count and Monsieur Duval!" gasped Ruth.
From the paper the girls learned that Duval was a French criminal who had served several terms in prison, but who was usually clever enough to escape detection. His real name was Jacques Dupin. The "count," whose name was Latour, was merely a tool of Dupin's.
"This says," cried Ruth excitedly, scanning the paper, "that Dupin can assume any disguise he wishes. He is a linguist and a trained actor and is known as Gentilhomme Jacques, or Gentleman Jack. He plays only for big stakes."
"How did the countess become involved in this, Mr. Stuart?" asked Barbara, and at the question Mollie's pretty face clouded.
"The countess has asked us to the villa to-morrow afternoon to offer an explanation," replied Mr. Stuart shortly.