of course, will accompany your friend?" said the detective,
tapping him on the shoulder.

"Must, I suppose," responded Chivey, who noticed several other
policeman were loitering about the station.

So, with a very bad grace, the two intending excursionists walked back
to the hall of justice.

The English prisoners had already been brought into the hall, and the
trial had commenced.

It certainly seemed at first that our young hero had got himself into a
bad fix, for the evidence was much against him.

The police had captured them in Lenoir's workshop.

They had been seen in conversation with him not only there, but at the
cafe the police had been warned of their nefarious doings and so forth.

"Have you any witnesses to call, prisoner?" ask the judge, addressing
young Jack.

"Yes, Monsieur le Juge; and the first of them is Pierre Lenoir. Let him
be called."

"What folly is this?" demanded the judge, sternly.

"I ask that Pierre Lenoir shall be summoned to give evidence," repeated
young Jack, who had been told by Delamarre what line of defence to
adopt.

"Do you think he will respond if called?"

"If he does not respond, I shall derive no benefit from his evidence."

"Let Pierre Lenoir be called," said the judge, rather angrily.

And Pierre Lenoir was called by an officer of the court.

"Here!"

The answer was clear and distinct.

And the next moment Pierre Lenoir, escorted by two gensdarmes, marched
into the court-room.

Chivey touched Murray on the arm, and both had an idea of sneaking
away.

But the polite and attentive officer who had brought them back from the
railway, stood in the doorway, and was evidently watching them.

In fact, he spoke to them.

"Things are getting interesting, gentlemen," said he; "it was worth
losing a train to see such a dramatic trial as this promises to be."

"Interferes with our business, rather."

"Not so much, monsieur. But hush!"

The evidence of Pierre Lenoir was then taken.

The public prosecutor objected at first to his evidence; but it was
urged by the counsel for the defence that although accused of many
offences, he was at present convicted of none, and therefore was
entitled to full credence.

"Your name is Pierre Lenoir?" asked Jack's counsel.

"It is."

"Do you know the prisoners?"

"But slightly."

"Say when you met them."

"I met them at my own house where they came by invitation to see some
specimens of my skill as a medal engrav