ced from me the exclamation you speak of."

His explanation was more than plausible, was possible, and even likely.
It had the advantage, too, of anticipating the axiom, "Search out the
one whom the crime will benefit!" Tabaret had spoken truly, when he said
that they would not easily make the prisoner confess.

M. Daburon admired Albert's presence of mind, and the resources of his
perverse imagination.

"You do indeed," continued the magistrate, "appear to have had the
greatest interest in this death. Moreover, I will inform you that
robbery was not the object of the crime. The things thrown into the
Seine have been recovered. We know, also, that all the widow's papers
were burnt. Could they compromise any one but yourself? If you know of
any one, speak."

"What can I answer, sir? Nothing."

"Have you often gone to see this woman?"

"Three or four times with my father."

"One of your coachmen pretends to have driven you there at least ten
times."

"The man is mistaken. But what matters the number of visits?"

"Do you recollect the arrangements of the rooms? Can you describe them?"

"Perfectly, sir: there were two. Claudine slept in the back room."

"You were in no way a stranger to Widow Lerouge. If you had knocked one
evening at her window-shutter, do you think she would have let you in?"

"Certainly, sir, and eagerly."

"You have been unwell these last few days?"

"Very unwell, to say the least, sir. My body bent under the weight of
a burden too great for my strength. It was not, however, for want of
courage."

"Why did you forbid your valet, Lubin, to call in the doctor?"

"Ah, sir, how could the doctor cure my disease? All his science could
not make me the legitimate son of the Count de Commarin."

"Some very singular remarks made by you were overheard. You seemed to be
no longer interested in anything concerning your home. You destroyed a
large number of papers and letters."

"I had decided to leave the count, sir. My resolution explains my
conduct."

Albert replied promptly to the magistrate's questions, without the
least embarrassment, and in a confident tone. His voice, which was
very pleasant to the ear, did not tremble. It concealed no emotion; it
retained its pure and vibrating sound.

M. Daburon deemed it wise to suspend the examination for a short time.
With so cunning an adversary, he was evidently pursuing a false course.
To proceed in detail was folly, he neither intimidated the