sterial inquiry. To-day, however, we are going to defend him
before the jury, and we are going to bring to the witness stand a light
that will illumine the whole mystery of the Glandier. For we possess the
truth.

"If we have not spoken sooner, it is because the interests of certain
parties in the case demand that we should take that course. Our readers
may remember the unsigned reports we published relating to the 'Left
foot of the Rue Oberkampf,' at the time of the famous robbery of the
Credit Universel, and the famous case of the 'Gold Ingots of the Mint.'
In both those cases we were able to discover the truth long before even
the excellent ingenuity of Frederic Larsan had been able to unravel
it. These reports were written by our youngest reporter, Joseph
Rouletabille, a youth of eighteen, whose fame to-morrow will be
world-wide. When attention was first drawn to the Glandier case, our
youthful reporter was on the spot and installed in the chateau, when
every other representative of the press had been denied admission. He
worked side by side with Frederic Larsan. He was amazed and terrified at
the grave mistake the celebrated detective was about to make, and tried
to divert him from the false scent he was following; but the great Fred
refused to receive instructions from this young journalist. We know now
where it brought Monsieur Robert Darzac.

"But now, France must know--the whole world must know, that, on the
very evening on which Monsieur Darzac was arrested, young Rouletabille
entered our editorial office and informed us that he was about to go
away on a journey. 'How long I shall be away,' he said, 'I cannot say;
perhaps a month--perhaps two--perhaps three perhaps I may never return.
Here is a letter. If I am not back on the day on which Monsieur Darzac
is to appear before the Assize Court, have this letter opened and read
to the court, after all the witnesses have been heard. Arrange it with
Monsieur Darzac's counsel. Monsieur Darzac is innocent. In this letter
is written the name of the murderer; and--that is all I have to say.
I am leaving to get my proofs--for the irrefutable evidence of the
murderer's guilt.' Our reporter departed. For a long time we were
without news from him; but, a week ago, a stranger called upon our
manager and said: 'Act in accordance with the instructions of Joseph
Rouletabille, if it becomes necessary to do so. The letter left by him
holds the truth.' The gentleman who brought u