“What did you see?”

“I saw, as clearly as I now see you, a black shadow riding a white horse that was as like César as two peas!”

“And did you run after them?”

“I did and I shouted, but they were too fast for me and disappeared in the darkness of the underground gallery.”

M. Richard rose. “That will do, M. Lachenel. You can go.⁠ ⁠… We will lodge a complaint against the ghost .”

“And sack my stable?”

“Oh, of course! Good morning.”