Zoé's Revenge

'Well, Mr. Inspector, I left my home, my wife and children, and here I am; and hearing of the great reward offered for--'

'Well, come to the point, confound it all!' said the Inspector.

'Well, Mr. Inspector, as I was passing through the Bois de Boulogne I felt very tired, for I had been walking for hours, so I sat down on one of those circular seats built round the bole of a tree. There were two gentlemen, with their backs to me, already there, engaged in earnest conversation. They did not see me as I approached, for the tree was in the way, but I saw them clearly enough and could distinguish every word they uttered.'

'How were they dressed?' enquired the official.

'Oh, they were real gentlemen; there could be no doubt about that! One was young and thin and good looking, with light hair and moustache; and he wore a white waistcoat, and a black coat with a bit of red ribbon in front of it.'

'Ha! the