I can see him now, opening his
eyes like saucers, when I say to him, 'I have the rascal!' He can boast
of owing me something. This investigation will bring him honour, or
justice is not justice. He will, at least, be made an officer of the
Legion of Honour. So much the better! I like him. If he is asleep, I am
going to give him an agreeable awaking. Won't he just overpower me with
questions! He will want to know everything at once."
Old Tabaret, who was now crossing the Pont des Saints-Peres, stopped
suddenly. "But the details!" said he. "By Jove! I have none. I only know
the bare facts." He resumed his walk, and continued, "They are right
at the office, I am too enthusiastic; I jump at conclusions, as Gevrol
says. When I was with Noel, I should have cross-examined him, got hold
of a quantity of useful details; but I did not even think of doing so.
I drank in his words. I would have had him tell the story in a sentence.
All the same, it is but natural; when one is pursuing a stag, one does
not stop to shoot a blackbird. But I see very well now, I did not draw
him out enough. On the other hand, by questioning him more, I might have
awakened suspicions in Noel's mind, and led him to discover that I am
working for the Rue de Jerusalem.
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