ow entrance in order
to get into the court room quickly.

Fandor, however, instead of following the crowd, had grasped the simple
Cranajour by the shoulder, and shouted loud enough to be heard by those
who might have been surprised at his action.

"You duffer of a Cranajour! Go along with you! You're the man for my
money, old fellow! Here's something for a glass--but come with me for
five minutes: I want to interview you and make a jolly good article out
of it!"

Fandor went off, followed by the detective. When they were quite away
from everyone, Fandor turned quickly to his friend.

"Well, Juve?"

"Nothing, so far...."

"You have not run in the whole gang?"

"Not I!" replied Juve. "These are only the supernumeraries, and there
are some of them out of my reach!... Look here, Fandor," continued Juve
in a low tone. "You will see someone in court presently whose presence
will astonish you--it is an aviator--the aviator Emilet.... Well, my
boy, I have a notion that this fellow is no stranger to all these
goings-on!... But patience!... besides, you know, Fandor, it's not my
way of doing things to put the bracelets on mediocrities such as he: I
fly higher!... Good-bye. Shall see you later on!"

Fandor asked, in a low tone:

"Shall I remain for the sitting?"

"Yes," said Juve. "It is quite likely that I shall not be present; and
it would be a good thing if you were to get a general idea of this
affair: you may pick up some useful information."

"Juve, I very much wish to have a longer talk with you--there are things
I want to say--to tell you!"

Steps could be heard coming in their direction: the two men separated at
once; but Juve had just time to say:

"This evening then, at eight, I shall come to your place, Fandor. Expect
me!"

Half an hour later, Fandor entered the court room....

The speech for the Crown had just been concluded.

The arrest of these smugglers, now on their trial, had made some stir,
about five months ago. Public opinion had been aroused almost to fever
pitch, when it became known that the accused had, for nearly two years
past, succeeded in getting through into Paris, without having paid town
dues, quantities of the most highly taxed articles, and thus had
accumulated a large store of riches in contraband goods and money. They
owed their arrest to the betrayal of a wretched dealer, who was
dissatisfied with his remuneration.

The journalists had, after their manner, amplified all t