ons to Doctor Gendron to proceed at once to an
exhumation and autopsy of the late master of Valfeuillu."

"And you may be sure that I shall find the poison," chimed in the
doctor.

"Very well," resumed M. Domini. "But does it necessarily follow that
because Monsieur Tremorel poisoned his friend to marry his widow, he
yesterday killed his wife and then fled? I don't think so."

"Pardon me," objected Lecoq, gently. "It seems to me that
Mademoiselle Courtois's supposed suicide proves at least something."

"That needs clearing up. This coincidence can only be a matter of
pure chance."

"But I am sure that Monsieur Tremorel shaved himself--of that we
have proof; then, we did not find the boots which, according to
the valet, he put on the morning of the murder."

"Softly, softly," interrupted the judge. "I don't pretend that you
are absolutely wrong; it must be as you say; only I give you my
objections. Let us admit that Tremorel killed his wife, that he
fled and is alive. Does that clear Guespin, and show that he took
no part in the murder?"

This was evidently the flaw in Lecoq's case; but being convinced
of Hector's guilt, he had given little heed to the poor gardener,
thinking that his innocence would appear of itself when the real
criminal was arrested. He was about to reply, when footsteps and
voices were heard in the corridor.

"Stop," said M. Domini. "Doubtless we shall now hear something
important about Guespin."

"Are you expecting some new witness?" asked M. Plantat.

"No; I expect one of the Corbeil police to whom I have given an
important mission."

"Regarding Guespin?"

"Yes. Very early this morning a young working-woman of the town,
whom Guespin has been courting, brought me an excellent photograph
of him. I gave this portrait to the agent with instructions to go
to the Vulcan's Forges and ascertain if Guespin had been seen there,
and whether he bought anything there night before last."

M. Lecoq was inclined to be jealous; the judge's proceeding
ruffled him, and he could not conceal an expressive grimace.

"I am truly grieved," said he, dryly, "that Monsieur the Judge
has so little confidence in me that he thinks it necessary to give
me assistance."

This sensitiveness aroused M. Domini, who replied:

"Eh! my dear man, you can't be everywhere at once. I think you
very shrewd, but you were not here, and I was in a hurry."

"A false step is often irreparable."

"Make yourself easy; I've