midnight
The next day the inquiries of the police confirmed what Prasville and Lupin already knew . The Marquis d'Albufex had been very deeply involved in the business of the canal , so deeply that Prince Napoleon was obliged to remove him from the management of his political campaign in France ; and he kept up his very extravagant style of living only by dint of constant loans and makeshifts . On the other hand , in so far as concerned the kidnapping of Daubrecq , it was ascertained that , contrary to his usual custom , the marquis had not appeared in his club between six and seven that evening and had not dined at home . He did not come back until midnight ; and then he came on foot . M. Nicole 's accusation , therefore , was receiving an early proof . Unfortunately -- and Lupin was no more successful in his own attempts -- it was impossible to obtain the least clue as to the motor-car , the chauffeur and the four people who had entered Daubrecq 's house . Were they associates of the marquis , compromised in the canal affair like himself ?