The Mystery of the Yellow Room

en our attention was drawn to an individual who, half bent to the ground, seemed to be so completely absorbed in what he was doing as not to have seen us coming towards him. At one time he sto

into the palm of his hand. Rouletabille ha

an is at work! Don't

n proof of his unique talent, Larsan was reputed as the most skilful unraveller of the most mysterious and complicated crimes. His reputation was world-wide, and the police

se of stolen securities, to return with all haste. Frederic who, at the Surete, was called the "great Frederic," had made all speed, doubtless knowing by experience that, if he was interrupted in

ning, stopping only when he reached the park gate, where he again consulted his watch and then put it away in his pocket, shrugging his shoulders with a gesture of discouragement. H

hich the young reporter felt for the celebrated detective, "can you tell me whether Monsieur Robert Darzac i

king hands with my friend, whom he had several times met in the

oubt?" said Rouletabille, pointing to the lodg

able to give you any informa

y n

ere arrested ha

uletabille; "then th

an shrugged h

d with an air of supreme irony, "you can always i

them arrested,

place, I am pretty sure that they have not had a

t?" asked Roule

ng," said Larsan,

e no accomplices!"

san, looking at Rouletabille intently, "yet you have seen

get adm

The orders

that for me. You know we are old friends. I beg of you, Monsieur Fre

occurred; it appealed with so much eloquence, not only of the mouth and eyes, but with all its features, that I could not refrain from bursting into laughter. Frederic

round, with a look in them that was at once searching and disquieting. He was of middle height and well built, with a general bearing elegant and gentlemanly. There was nothing about him of the vulgar policeman. In his way, he was an artist, and one felt that he had a high o

ateau and reached the gate behind him. We recognised the cab which had conv

f you want to speak with Monsi

the next train leaving Epinay for Paris. Then he recognised me. While Larsan was unlocking the gate, Monsieur Darzac inquired what had brought me to the

etting better?" I

will be saved perhaps

y death"; but I felt that the p

ille int

ust speak with you. I have something o

Larsan in

ert Darzac. "Have you a key, or do

ve a key and wil

e chateau, the imposing pile of which cou

alist, he looked at me very reproachfully, excused himself, under the necessity of having to reach Epinay in twenty minutes, bowed, and whipped up his horse. But Rouletabil

othing of its charm, nor t

. Pale as he was, he became paler. His eyes were fixed on the young man in terror, a

e in!" he

nd with a sort of

go, mo

ng his hold on the horse's bridle. I addressed a few words to Monsieur Darzac, bu