ad been branded upon
the enigmatical prisoner before him. And yet he did not by any means
despair, and his confidence, exaggerated though it might be, was not at
all feigned. He was of opinion that the weakest point of the prisoner's
defense so far was his pretended ignorance concerning the two women. He
proposed to return to this subject later on. In the mean while, however,
there were other matters to be dealt with.

When he felt that his threat as regards the women had had time to
produce its full effect, the magistrate continued: "So, prisoner, you
assert that you were acquainted with none of the persons you met at the
Poivriere."

"I swear it."

"Have you never had occasion to meet a person called Lacheneur, an
individual whose name is connected with this unfortunate affair?"

"I heard the name for the first time when it was pronounced by the dying
soldier. Poor fellow! I had just dealt him his death blow; and yet his
last words testified to my innocence."

This sentimental outburst produced no impression whatever upon the
magistrate. "In that case," said he, "I suppose you are willing to
accept this soldier's statement."

The man hesitated, as if conscious that he had fallen into a snare, and
that he would be obliged to weigh each answer carefully. "I accept it,"
said he at last. "Of course I accept it."

"Very well, then. This soldier, as you must recollect, wished to
revenge himself on Lacheneur, who, by promising him a sum of money, had
inveigled him into a conspiracy. A conspiracy against whom? Evidently
against you; and yet you pretend that you had only arrived in Paris
that evening, and that mere chance brought you to the Poivriere. Can you
reconcile such conflicting statements?"

The prisoner had the hardihood to shrug his shoulders disdainfully. "I
see the matter in an entirely different light," said he. "These people
were plotting mischief against I don't know whom--and it was because I
was in their way that they sought a quarrel with me, without any cause
whatever."

Skilfully as the magistrate had delivered this thrust, it had been as
skilfully parried; so skilfully, indeed, that Goguet, the smiling clerk,
could not conceal an approving grimace. Besides, on principle, he always
took the prisoner's part, in a mild, Platonic way, of course.

"Let us consider the circumstances that followed your arrest," resumed
M. Segmuller. "Why did you refuse to answer all the questions put to
you?"

A gl