Chapter 113

106 MURDERS IN THE RUE MORGUE officers. We also measured the thickness of every bookcover , with the most accurate admeasurement, and applied to each the most jealous scrutiny of the microscope. Had any of the bindings been recently meddled with, it would have been utterly impossible that the fact should have escaped observation. Some five or six volumes, just from the hands of the binder, we carefully probed, longitudinally, with the needles.,, “You explored the floors beneath the carpets ?” “Beyond doubt. We removed every carpet, and examined the boards with the microscope.,, “And the paper on the walls ?” “Yes.” “You looked into the cellars?” “We did.” “Then,” I said, “you have been making a miscalculation, and the letter is not upon the premises, as you suppose.” “I fear you are right there,” said the Prefect. “And now, Dupin, what would you advise me to do ?” “To make a thorough research of the premises.” “That is absolutely needless,” replied G . “I am not more sure that I breathe than I am that the letter is not at the hotel.” “I have no better advice to give you,” said Dupin. “You have, of course, an accurate description of the letter ?” “Oh yes!” And here the Prefect, producing a memorandum-book, proceeded to read aloud a minute account of the internal, and especially of the external, appearance of the missing document. Soon after finishing the perusal of this description, he took his departure, more entirely depressed in spirits than I had ever known the good gentleman before. In about a month afterwards he paid us another visit, and found us occupied very nearly as before. He took a