It is plain that not long ago they
were very wet; and, besides the mud on them, there are traces of earth.
Besides that they are torn at the knees. We will admit, for the moment
that you might not remember where you went on that evening; but who
would believe that you do not know when you tore your trousers and how
you frayed your gloves?"
What courage could resist such assaults? Albert's firmness and energy
were at an end. His brain whirled. He fell heavily into a chair,
exclaiming,--"It is enough to drive me mad!"
"Do you admit," insisted the magistrate, whose gaze had become firmly
fixed upon the prisoner, "do you admit that Widow Lerouge could only
have been stabbed by you?"
"I admit," protested Albert, "that I am the victim of one of those
terrible fatalities which make men doubt the evidence of their reason. I
am innocent."
"Then tell me where you passed Tuesday evening."
"Ah, sir!" cried the prisoner, "I should have to--" But, restraining
himself, he added in a faint voice, "I have made the only answer that I
can make."
M. Daburon rose, having now reached his grand stroke.
"It is, then, my duty," said he, with a shade of irony, "to supply your
failure of memory.
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