, covered
with perspiration.

M. Domini had not lost sight of his plan of attack.

"All that is very well," said he, "we will return to your confession
at the proper time and place. But just now the question is, how you
spent your night, and where you got this money."

This persistency seemed to exasperate Guespin.

"Eh!" cried he, "how do you want me to answer? The truth? You
wouldn't credit it. As well keep silent. It is a fatality."

"I warn you for your own sake," resumed the judge, "that if you
persist in refusing to answer, the charges which weigh upon you are
such that I will have you arrested as suspected of this murder."

This menace seemed to have a remarkable effect on Guespin. Great
tears filled his eyes, up to that time dry and flashing, and
silently rolled down his cheeks. His energy was exhausted; he fell
on his knees, crying:

"Mercy! I beg you, Monsieur, not to arrest me; I swear I am
innocent, I swear it!"

"Speak, then."

"You wish it," said Guespin, rising. Then he suddenly changed his
tone. "No, I will not speak, I cannot! One man alone could save
me; it is the count; and he is dead. I am innocent; yet if the
guilty are not found, I am lost. Everything is against me. I know
it too well. Now, do with me as you please; I will not say another
word."

Guespin's determination, confirmed by his look, did not surprise the
judge.

"You will reflect," said he, quietly, "only, when you have
reflected, I shall not have the same confidence in what you say
as I should have now. Possibly," and the judge spoke slowly and
with emphasis, "you have only had an indirect part in this crime;
if so--"

"Neither indirect nor direct," interrupted Guespin; and he added,
violently, "what misery! To be innocent, and not able to defend
myself."

"Since it is so," resumed M. Domini, "you should not object to be
placed before Mme. de Tremorel's body?"

The accused did not seem affected by this menace. He was conducted
into the hall whither they had fetched the countess. There, he
examined the body with a cold and calm eye. He said, simply:

"She is happier than I; she is dead, she suffers no longer; and I,
who am not guilty, am accused of her death."

M. Domini made one more effort.

"Come, Guespin; if in any way you know of this crime, I conjure
you, tell me. If you know the murderers, name them. Try to merit
some indulgence for your frankness and repentance."

Guespin made a gesture as if resigned to