prison."

The detective shook his head. "He's not in prison."

"Not in prison?"

"He was set at liberty about--about two o'clock this morning."

Tignol stared stupidly, scarcely taking in the words. "But--but he's
guilty."

"I know."

"You have all this evidence against him?"

"Yes."

"Then--then _how_ is he at liberty?" stammered the other.

Coquenil reached for a match, struck it deliberately and lighted a
cigarette.

"_By order of the Prime Minister_," he said quietly, and blew out a long
white fragrant cloud.

"You mean--without trial?"

"Yes--without trial. He's a very important person, Papa Tignol."

The old man scratched his head in perplexity. "I didn't know anybody was
too important to be tried for murder."

"He _can't_ be tried until he's committed for trial by a judge."

"Well? And Hauteville?"

"Hauteville will never commit him."

"Why not?"

"Because Hauteville has been removed from office."

"Wha-at?"

"His commission was revoked this morning by order of the Minister of
Justice."

"Judge Hauteville--discharged!" murmured Tignol, in bewilderment.

Coquenil nodded and then added sorrowfully: "And you, too, my poor friend.
_Everyone_ who has had anything to do with this case, from the highest to
the lowest, will suffer. We all made a frightful mistake, they say, in
daring to arrest and persecute this most distinguished and honorable
citizen. Ha, ha!" he concluded bitterly as he lighted another cigarette.

"_C'est epatant!_" exclaimed Tignol. "He must be a rich devil!"

"He's rich and--much more."

"Whe-ew! He must be a senator or--or something like that?"

"Much more," said Coquenil grimly.

"More than a senator? Then--then a cabinet minister? No, it isn't
possible?"

"He is more important than a cabinet minister, far more important."

"Holy snakes!" gasped Tignol. "I don't see anything left except the Prime
Minister himself."

"This man is so highly placed," declared Coquenil gravely, "he is so
powerful that----"

"Stop!" interrupted the other. "I know. He was in that coaching party; he
killed the dog, it was--it was the Duke de Montreuil."

"No, it was not," replied Coquenil. "The Duke de Montreuil is rich and
powerful, as men go in France, but this man is of international
importance, his fortune amounts to a thousand million francs, at least, and
his power is--well--he could treat the Duke de Montreuil like a valet."

"Who--who is he?"

Coquenil pointed to hi