Chapter XXV

[Containing certain instructions to M. Jules Farman, ex-agent of police at 4 (bis), Rue du Quatre Septembre, Paris.]

4, The Walk, Hampstead, London, N.W.,
September 28th, 1905.

Dear Monsieur Farman,--The inquiries set up for me by the French Consul, of which I spoke to you in a recent letter, appear to have been without fruit. I am, therefore, craving your kind services once more in my interest and begging your diligence.

It is known to you that I have married Mademoiselle Mimi, who cost us so pretty an adventure at Raincy together; but the circumstance of my marriage and my wife’s own solicitude make it more necessary than ever that I should be put in possession of all the facts which inquiry and patience may disclose concerning her birth and parentage. I know no one in Paris to whom I would as soon commit my interests as to you, and I hereby beg of you to accept the service and to spare no expense to further it. From what the Consul has been so good as to tell me, your inquiries will be best pursued in the neighbourhood of Orleans, and especially at the house of the old woman Marie, if she be still living and capable of answering any questions at all.

There is another circumstance--so shadowy that I mention it with hesitation, but so full of remote possibility that I have no right to withhold it. For some days now, I have had the idea that this little house of mine in London is being watched. Possibly my fears are altogether groundless. We have led an eccentric life in this place and have carried here some of the habits and practices with which Paris made us familiar. These may have provoked the curiosity of the neighbours or of others who have heard of them by rumour. Be that as it may, my wife has been much alarmed upon more than one occasion, and I am not without my fears that we are upon the threshold of a greater mystery than any which has yet attended her adventurous life.

I may add that there is just one man in Paris who, in my wife’s judgment, should have been sought out by us before but has escaped our observation and eluded our reckoning. He is a burly ruffian who frequents the old Café of the Assassins, and he is often to be found there nowadays. They know him by the name of Jean-le-Mont, a title by which you will readily discover him.

I commend this man to your notice as one who might be able to help you. Meanwhile, accept the assurance of my profound consideration.--And permit me to remain,

Yours very faithfully,
Henry Gastonard.

I enclose a draft for a hundred pounds. You are to draw upon me immediately for any further sums you may require.