Thomas saw the inspector look at Ney inquiringly. The lawyer gave him a slight nod.

“My client is ready to help you, Inspector.”

The inspector came across. Apart from his mustache, his face was clean shaven. His hair was thin over a broad brow. His eyes reminded Thomas of oysters. They were watchful and somewhat sad. He took out a notebook.

The preliminaries were brief: his name, the address where he lived—Thomas gave his lodgings in the rue de la Pompe. The time of the incident. The name and occupation of the deceased. He had been with the deceased before the incident? Where? The Irish bar.

“Had the deceased drunk anything at the Irish bar?”

“Yes, monsieur. Both Guinness and wine.”

“Was he inebriated?”

“Not drunk. He had control of himself …”

“But he had consumed both beer and wine.”

“Certainly.”

“Then he climbed up the tower.”

“Yes, Inspector.”

“How?”

“Up the girders at first, since the staircase is closed. Then into the staircase and up to the first platform, then out onto the girders.”

“You saw him do this?”

“Yes.” He was about to explain that he had gone up with him, but remembering what Ney had said, and since the inspector had not yet asked where he was himself, he did not offer this information.

“What did he do up there?”

“He sang an Italian song.”

“Then what?”

“He fell.”

“How?”

“He took a bow, quite a big one. Three times. Center, then left, then right. Then he took a final bow, deeper than the others, and lost his balance. Then … it was very sudden.”

“This girl is his friend?”

“Yes. She is very shocked.”

“Naturally.” The inspector turned to Anna. “I understand you are distressed, mademoiselle, but I must ask you a few questions.”

Her name and address. Pepe’s name and address. Was he of Italian family? Was she? How long had she known him? Had she drunk Guinness and wine with him at the Irish bar? Did he climb the tower and sing an Italian song? Was she standing below? Did he take a bow three times, then a final bow and lose his balance? Did she see this, and was this what happened?”

“Yes. Yes it was.” She burst into tears.

The inspector closed his notebook, and turned to Ney and Eiffel.

“It is very clear. I am satisfied. There will be some formalities later, of course, but unless Monsieur Eiffel wishes it, I personally see no need to take matters further.”

Eiffel indicated that he also was satisfied. At a nod from the inspector, the two assistants put Pepe on the stretcher and started to carry him away.

“I think I should take Anna to her home,” said Thomas.

Ney glanced at Eiffel, who said he was going to remain at the site for a while. Then Ney told Thomas that he and Anna should come with him, and he would convey them home. Thomas wondered if he should say something to Monsieur Eiffel, but the engineer had already turned his back.