ing where I only discern clouds;
and you may be mistaken as well as I."

Then by an act of heroism, he condescended to add:

"What do you think I ought to do?"

The judge was at least rewarded for the effort he made by approving
glances from M. Plantat and the doctor. But M. Lecoq did not hasten
to respond; he had many weighty reasons to advance; that, he saw,
was not what was necessary. He ought to present the facts, there
and at once, and produce one of those proofs which can be touched
with the finger. How should he do it? His active mind searched
eagerly for such a proof.

"Well?" insisted M. Domini.

"Ah," cried the detective. "Why can't I ask Guespin two or three
questions?"

The judge frowned; the suggestion seemed to him rather presumptuous.
It is formally laid down that the questioning of the accused should
be done in secret, and by the judge alone, aided by his clerk. On
the other hand it is decided, that after he has once been
interrogated he may be confronted with witnesses. There are,
besides, exceptions in favor of the members of the police force.
M. Domini reflected whether there were any precedents to apply to
the case.

"I don't know," he answered at last, "to what point the law permits
me to consent to what you ask. However, as I am convinced the
interests of truth outweigh all rules, I shall take it on myself
to let you question Guespin."

He rang; a bailiff appeared.

"Has Guespin been carried back to prison?"

"Not yet, Monsieur."

"So much the better; have him brought in here."

M. Lecoq was beside himself with joy; he had not hoped to achieve
such a victory over one so determined as M. Domini.

"He will speak now," said he, so full of confidence that his eyes
shone, and he forgot the portrait of the dear defunct, "for I have
three means of unloosening his tongue, one of which is sure to
succeed. But before he comes I should like to know one thing. Do
you know whether Tremorel saw Jenny after Sauvresy's death?"

"Jenny?" asked M. Plantat, a little surprised.

"Yes."

"Certainly he did."

"Several times?"

"Pretty often. After the scene at the Belle Image the poor girl
plunged into terrible dissipation. Whether she was smitten with
remorse, or understood that it was her conduct which had killed
Sauvresy, or suspected the crime, I don't know. She began, however,
to drink furiously, falling lower and lower every week--"

"And the count really consented to see her again?"