The apparent rebellion of his prisoner troubled M. Daburon a great deal.
He was further extremely surprised to find the discernment of the old
detective at fault; just as though Tabaret were infallible. Tabaret
had predicted an unexceptionable _alibi_; and this _alibi_ was not
forthcoming. Why? Had this subtle villain something better than that?
What artful defence had he to fall back upon? Doubtless he kept in
reserve some unforeseen stroke, perhaps irresistible.
"Gently," thought the magistrate. "I have not got him yet." Then he
quickly added aloud: "Continue. After dinner what did you do?"
"I went out for a walk."
"Not immediately. The bottle emptied, you smoked a cigar in the
dining-room, which was so unusual as to be noticed. What kind of cigars
do you usually smoke?"
"Trabucos."
"Do you not use a cigar-holder, to keep your lips from contact with the
tobacco?"
"Yes, sir," replied Albert, much surprised at this series of questions.
"At what time did you go out?"
"About eight o'clock."
"Did you carry an umbrella?"
"Yes."
"Where did you go?"
"I walked about."
"Alone, without any object, all the evening?"
"Yes, sir.
Pages:
328
329
330
331
332
333
334
335
336
337
338
339
340
341
342
343
344
345
346
347
348
349
350
351
352