The Place of Honeymoons

"Mademoiselle, I find no case against Monsieur Courtlandt, unless you wish

to appear against him for his forcible entrance to your apartment." Nora

shook her head. The chief of police stroked his mustache to hide the

fleeting smile. A peculiar case, the like of which had never before come

under his scrutiny! "Circumstantial evidence, we know, points to him; but

we have also an alibi which is incontestable. We must look elsewhere for

your abductors. Think; have you not some enemy? Is there no one who might

wish you worry and inconvenience? Are your associates all loyal to you? Is

there any jealousy?"

"No, none at all, Monsieur," quickly and decidedly.

"In my opinion, then, the whole affair is a hoax, perpetrated to vex and

annoy you. The old man who employed this chauffeur may not have been old.

I have looked upon all sides of the affair, and it begins to look like a

practical joke, Mademoiselle."

"Ah!" angrily. "And am I to have no redress? Think of the misery I have

gone through, the suspense! My voice is gone. I shall not be able to sing

again for months. Is it your suggestion that I drop the investigation?"

"Yes, Mademoiselle, for it does not look as if we could get anywhere with

it. If you insist, I will hold Monsieur Courtlandt; but I warn you the

magistrate would not hesitate to dismiss the case instantly. Monsieur

Courtlandt arrived in Marseilles Thursday morning; he reached Paris Friday

morning. Since arriving in Paris he has fully accounted for his time. It

is impossible that he could have arranged for the abduction. Still, if you

say, I can hold him for entering your apartment."

"That would be but a farce." Nora rose. "Monsieur, permit me to wish you

good day. For my part, I shall pursue this matter to the end. I believe

this gentleman guilty, and I shall do my best to prove it. I am a woman,

and all alone. When a man has powerful friends, it is not difficult to

build an alibi."

"That is a reflection upon my word, Mademoiselle," quietly interposed the

minister.

"Monsieur has been imposed upon." Nora walked to the door.

"Wait a moment, Mademoiselle," said the prefect. "Why do you insist upon

prosecuting him for something of which he is guiltless, when you could

have him held for something of which he is really guilty?"

"The one is trivial; the other is a serious outrage. Good morning." The

attendant closed the door behind her.