might accrue from it. Certainly, the young detective had said nothing
that was untrue; but there are different ways of presenting the truth,
and he had, perhaps, exaggerated a trifle in order to excite the
magistrate's rancor, and win his needful assistance.

"I suppose," remarked M. Segmuller, who was now quite calm again--no
outward sign of wounded vanity being perceptible--"I suppose you
have decided what stratagem must be employed to lull the prisoner's
suspicions if he is permitted to escape."

"I must confess I haven't given it a thought," replied Lecoq. "Besides,
what good would any such stratagem do? He knows too well that he is
the object of suspicion not to remain on the alert. Still, there is one
precaution which I believe absolutely necessary, indispensable indeed,
if we wish to be successful."

"What precaution do you mean?" inquired the magistrate.

"Well, sir, I think an order should be given to have May transferred to
another prison. It doesn't in the least matter which; you can select the
one you please."

"Why should we do that?"

"Because, during the few days preceding his release, it is absolutely
necessary he should hold no communication with his friends outside, and
that he should be unable to warn his accomplice."

"Then you think he's badly guarded where he is?" inquired M. Segmuller
with seeming amazement.

"No, sir, I did not say that. I am satisfied that since the affair
of the cipher note the governor's vigilance has been unimpeachable.
However, news from outside certainly reaches the suspected murderer
at the Depot; we have had material evidence--full proof of that--and
besides--"

The young detective paused in evident embarrassment. He plainly had some
idea in his head to which he feared to give expression.

"And besides?" repeated the magistrate.

"Ah, well, sir! I will be perfectly frank with you. I find that Gevrol
enjoys too much liberty at the Depot; he is perfectly at home there, he
comes and goes as he likes, and no one ever thinks of asking what he is
doing, where he is going, or what he wants. No pass is necessary for his
admission, and he can influence the governor just as he likes. Now, to
tell the truth, I distrust Gevrol."

"Oh! Monsieur Lecoq!"

"Yes, I know very well that it's a bold accusation, but a man is not
master of his presentiments: so there it is, I distrust Gevrol. Did
the prisoner know that I was watching him from the loft, and that I had
discover