n--"

But the magistrate would not hear more. He pushed old Tabaret quickly
aside, and hurried out.

The old man now turned to Constant. He wished to convince him. Lost
trouble: the tall clerk hastened to put his things away, thinking of his
soup, which was getting cold.

So that M. Tabaret soon found himself locked out of the room and alone
in the dark passage. All the usual sounds of the Palais had ceased: the
place was silent as the tomb. The old detective desperately tore his
hair with both hands.

"Ah!" he exclaimed, "Albert is innocent; and it is I who have cast
suspicion upon him. It is I, fool that I am, who have infused into the
obstinate spirit of this magistrate a conviction that I can no longer
destroy. He is innocent and is yet enduring the most horrible anguish.
Suppose he should commit suicide! There have been instances of wretched
men, who in despair at being falsely accused have killed themselves in
their cells. Poor boy! But I will not abandon him. I have ruined him: I
will save him! I must, I will find the culprit; and he shall pay dearly
for my mistake, the scoundrel!"

CHAPTER XIII.

After seeing the Count de Commarin safely in his carriage at the
entrance of the Palais de Justice, Noel Gerdy seemed inclined to leave
him. Resting one hand against the half-opened carriage door, he bowed
respectfully, and said: "When, sir, shall I have the honour of paying my
respects to you?"

"Come with me now," said the old nobleman.

The advocate, still leaning forward, muttered some excuses. He had, he
said, important business: he must positively return home at once.

"Come," repeated the count, in a tone which admitted no reply.

Noel obeyed.

"You have found your father," said M. de Commarin in a low tone; "but I
must warn you, that at the same time you lose your independence."

The carriage started; and only then did the count notice that Noel
had very modestly seated himself opposite him. This humility seemed to
displease him greatly.

"Sit here by my side, sir," he exclaimed; "are you not my son?"

The advocate, without replying, took his seat by the side of the
terrible old man, but occupied as little room as possible.

He had been very much upset by his interview with M. Daburon; for he
retained none of his usual assurance, none of that exterior coolness by
which he was accustomed to conceal his feelings. Fortunately, the ride
gave him time to breathe, and to recover himself a little