You killed her! You then overturned everything in the
house, and burned certain documents of importance; after which, you tied
up in a napkin all the valuables you could find, and carried them off,
to lead the police to believe the murder was the work of a robber. You
locked the door, and threw away the key. Arrived at the Seine, you threw
the bundle into the water, then hurried off to the railway station on
foot, and at eleven o'clock you reappeared amongst your friends.
Your game was well played; but you omitted to provide against two
adversaries, a detective, not easily deceived, named Tirauclair, and
another still more clever, named chance. Between them, they have got the
better of you. Moreover, you were foolish to wear such small boots, and
to keep on your lavender kid gloves, besides embarrassing yourself with
a silk hat and an umbrella. Now confess your guilt, for it is the only
thing left you to do, and I will give you permission to smoke in your
dungeon some of those excellent trabucos you are so fond of, and which
you always smoke with an amber mouthpiece.'"
During this speech, M. Tabaret had gained at least a couple of inches in
height, so great was his enthusiasm.
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