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Chapter 47 When Bruce, Marie-Claude and Constantin approached Biot's hospital room they were met with an armed policeman. He listened to their story, recognized Constantin and Marie - Claude and allowed them in. "You have five minutes. No more," he whispered. In the room, Dr Biot law motionless with tubes attached to his arm and nose. They offered their sympathy to which Biot only nodded. "Is there something you want to tell us?" Bruce asked. "Alone…" Biot whispered. His eyes closed again. Bruce frowned and the others left. "What is wrong, Dr.?" Bruce asked. "That Da Vinci, " Biot coughed. "It…it may not…" "May not what." "It
may not be …be…authentic," he whispered. "It's the paper. "You've seen it"? Bruce asked. "Many times. I examined the paper…" His voice trailed off. He was asleep again… Bruce stared at the man for a moment then turned and left. Bruce Is Disturbed by Biot's Remarks In the car traveling south, Bruce said, "I am disturbed by Biot's remarks. He said the paper was not old and that with a questionable signature, the picture might not be authentic." Constantin was not moved. "I have heard that argument before." "But how could Biot examine the paper unless it was out of the frame?" Marie Claude sounded alarmed. "What? Are you suggesting that Biot has actually handled the picture or he was part of the plot to steal it?" "I'm suggesting nothing," Bruce replied. "I'm just raising a question." They traveled in silence. Maybe there would be answers in Montignac. The Second Meeting with Drolet Adds Little Their second meeting with Det. Drolet added little if anything to the solution they looked for. They all discussed the possibility that the robbery had been done during a heavy rain or thunderstorm. The conclusion was that it was possible. As to it being an inside job, all Drolet would add, sarcastically, was that the window had been left unlocked. It could have been a workman but there was no assurance about the date of the robbery and many craftsmen had been in the house and even in that room. He did agree that the window appeared new and in excellent condition. Constantin too remembered that the window had recently been fixed and replaced. Drolet added that there were no foot prints he was aware of, and then added, there were a few narrow ruts but they could have been made by a gardener. "Could
they have been bicycle tracks"? The trio drove to a charming old farm house just outside the village near Lascaux. Their
meeting with Joseph Vimont centered on the ageing of the paper. As Director of
Lascaux, Vimont had been involved over the years with timing or searching for
clues about age. He suggested that without actually holding the paper in his hands
it would be absolutely impossible to guess at the age of the paper or parchment
or canvass.
(Prehistoric painting in a cave at Lascaux)
A 'Proud Man' Walks the Group to the Entrance Vimont was a proud man who walked the group over to the entrance to the original Lascaux cave. He explained that it had been discovered by some children who were chasing their dog down a hole. Inside there were astonishing Paleolithic wall paintings dating back thousands of years. Lascaux was becoming the most famous prehistoric site in France. He went on to explain that they were now in the preliminary stages of designing an exact copy of the cave a few hundred meters away since people's breath was causing deterioration to the drawings. What was projected was to be called Lascaux II on a nearby hillside which would include the high-antlered elk, bison and plump horses as well as the herds or files surrounded by arrows and geometric symbols thought to have had a ritual and historical significance. It would take years to recreate the cave but when completed, thousands of visitors would be able to descend into the new cave and marvel at the findings. They had tea in Vimont's comfortable farm house set on a hillside very close to Lascaux. Bruce asked, "Are you able to look at some paper and determine where or when it was made? I'm talking of new or recent paper or parchment, manufactured in this century and probably in Europe?" Vimont thought. "Possibly, "he said, nodding as he spoke. " I have some experience with paper and even parchment. I'd need a sample but I will have to use some chemical tests and it may destroy part of the paper." "I can cut a few inches from a sheet. Would that be enough. We know it's not old, I just thought there might be some clue as to where it comes from or what it was used for. Actually, anything you can tell us about it would be appreciated." Vimont smiled. "In that case, get it to me and I'll see what can be done." They Chat about Lascaux They chatted about Lascaux, the findings, academic interest and the potential to tourist income. Vimont was a proud and distinguished anthropologist. He would gladly help then, he stated. "We are really limiting the number of people who can enter Lascaux, but if you care to return one day when the second site is finished, I will take you down and explain what was discovered personally." Bruce
made a note to send Vimont part of the faked drawing and the trio said their goodbyes. "Thank you, countess, "he replied as he kissed her hand very formally and ostentatiously but also charmingly. (Click here for Chapter 48)
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