Mon. Dudouis reflected a moment, then said: 

 “It is quite clear.... the basket.... the eight compartments.... From twelve to sixteen means from twelve to four o’clock.” 

 “But this H-P, that will wait?” 

 “H-P must mean automobile. H-P, horsepower, is the way they indicate strength of the motor. A twenty-four H-P is an automobile of twenty-four horsepower.” 

 Then he rose, and asked: 

 “Had the prisoner finished his breakfast?” 

 “Yes.” 

 “And as he has not yet read the message, which is proved by the condition of the cigar, it is probable that he had just received it.” 

 “How?” 

 “In his food. Concealed in his bread or in a potato, perhaps.” 

 “Impossible. His food was allowed to be brought in simply to trap him, but we have never found anything in it.” 

 “We will look for Lupin’s reply this evening. Detain him outside for a few minutes. I shall take this to the examining judge, and, if he agrees with me, we will have the letter photographed at once, and in an hour you can replace the letter in the drawer in a cigar similar to this. The prisoner must have no cause for suspicion.” 

 It was not without a certain curiosity that Mon. Dudouis returned to the prison in the evening, accompanied by Inspector Dieuzy. Three empty plates were sitting on the stove in the corner. 

 “He has eaten?” 

 “Yes,” replied the guard. 

 “Dieuzy, please cut that macaroni into very small pieces, and open that bread-roll....Nothing?” 

 “No, chief.” 

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