He had just been informed of the
termination of the inquiry; and he arrived, impatient to know what had
passed, swelling with curiosity, and full of the sweet hope of hearing
of the fulfilment of his predictions.
"What answers did he make?" he asked even before he had closed the door.
"He is evidently guilty," replied the magistrate, with a harshness very
different to his usual manner.
Old Tabaret, who expected to receive praises by the basketful, was
astounded at this tone! It was therefore, with great hesitancy that he
offered his further services.
"I have come," he said modestly, "to know if any investigations are
necessary to demolish the _alibi_ pleaded by the prisoner."
"He pleaded no _alibi_," replied the magistrate, dryly.
"How," cried the detective, "no _alibi_? Pshaw! I ask pardon: he has of
course then confessed everything."
"No," said the magistrate impatiently, "he has confessed nothing. He
acknowledges that the proofs are decisive: he cannot give an account of
how he spent his time; but he protests his innocence."
In the centre of the room, M. Tabaret stood with his mouth wide open,
and his eyes staring wildly, and altogether in the most grotesque
attitude his astonishment could effect.
Pages:
340
341
342
343
344
345
346
347
348
349
350
351
352
353
354
355
356
357
358
359
360
361
362
363
364