sed, and that he hoped the enthusiasm of the journalist for
the dramatist's work would not lead him to tell the public that Monsieur
"Castigat Ridendo" and the examining magistrate of Corbeil were one and
the same person.

"The work of the dramatic author may interfere," he said, after a slight
hesitation, "with that of the magistrate, especially in a province where
one's labours are little more than routine."

"Oh, you may rely on my discretion!" cried Rouletabille.

The train was in motion.

"We have started!" said the examining magistrate, surprised at seeing us
still in the carriage.

"Yes, Monsieur,--truth has started," said Rouletabile, smiling
amiably,--"on its way to the Chateau du Glandier. A fine case, Monsieur
de Marquet,--a fine case!"

"An obscure--incredible, unfathomable, inexplicable affair--and there is
only one thing I fear, Monsieur Rouletabille,--that the journalists will
be trying to explain it."

My friend felt this a rap on his knuckles.

"Yes," he said simply, "that is to be feared. They meddle in everything.
As for my interest, monsieur, I only referred to it by mere chance,--the
mere chance of finding myself in the same train with you, and in the
same compartment of the same carriage."

"Where are you going, then?" asked Monsieur de Marquet.

"To the Chateau du Glandier," replied Rouletabille, without turning.

"You'll not get in, Monsieur Rouletabille!"

"Will you prevent me?" said my friend, already prepared to fight.

"Not I!--I like the press and journalists too well to be in any way
disagreeable to them; but Monsieur Stangerson has given orders for
his door to be closed against everybody, and it is well guarded. Not a
journalist was able to pass through the gate of the Glandier yesterday."

Monsieur de Marquet compressed his lips and seemed ready to relapse into
obstinate silence. He only relaxed a little when Rouletabille no longer
left him in ignorance of the fact that we were going to the Glandier for
the purpose of shaking hands with an "old and intimate friend," Monsieur
Robert Darzac--a man whom Rouletabille had perhaps seen once in his
life.

"Poor Robert!" continued the young reporter, "this dreadful affair may
be his death,--he is so deeply in love with Mademoiselle Stangerson."

"His sufferings are truly painful to witness," escaped like a regret
from the lips of Monsieur de Marquet.

"But it is to be hoped that Mademoiselle Stangerson's life will be
saved."