ttered.

I became senseless, sank on the floor, and when I first recovered
consciousness, I found myself in my own room, with physicians and
servants busy about me. My wound, which was under the left shoulder,
was probed and dressed, but was not dangerous.

All around me were in great consternation. Several of Bertollon's
friends were near me, assailing me with questions.

I dismissed them, and, when recovered, dressed myself and ordered a
sedan-chair to carry me to the assembled court.

In the meanwhile Bertollon's suicide had become known in the town. An
enormous concourse of people thronged his house, but when they learned
that I intended going to the court the curious crowd followed me.

Sentence had already been passed on Madame Bertollon at a private
sitting of the court. The moment she was led into the hall to hear it
before the assembled multitude, I arrived.

I begged a hearing as I had to make important disclosures. Permission
to speak was granted me. Amidst a silence as if death reigned, I said
to the judges: "My lords, once I stood here the accuser of innocence, I
now come to save her, and to prepare her for a well-deserved triumph.
I was deceived by the appearance of circumstances, deceived and abused
by my friend, and an accomplice in an act of cruelty without knowing
it. The unfortunate lady upon whom you are about to pronounce sentence
is not guilty of any crime."

I now distinctly stated the history of the previous night, Bertollon's
suicide, and his attempt on my life. Beside me stood the
police-inspector as a witness, and lame Jacques, who recollected that
he had seen M. Bertollon the evening previous to the poison being
taken, coming from the apartment of his wife with a light.

Such a termination to the trial in which I had at first achieved such a
splendid victory over my opponent Menard, and which was to found my
reputation in that country, no one had expected. During my speech
astonishment and horror were depicted on a thousand faces. But when I
stopped, a murmuring arose which swelled to loud exultation. My name
was shouted with enthusiastic joy, and the eyes of all were filled with
tears.

All order was at an end: Madame Bertollon had sunk fainting amidst the
congratulations of those around. The vice-governor of the province, a
relation of the Mareschale Montreval, whom chance or curiosity brought
to the court, descended from his seat and embraced me. M. Menard
followed