If
a man is found to whom this plan applies exactly in every particular
the author of the crime is found: otherwise, one has laid hands upon
an innocent person. It is not sufficient that such and such particulars
seem to point to him; it must be all or nothing. This is infallible.
Now, in this case, how have I reached the culprit? Through proceeding by
inference from the known to the unknown. I have examined his work; and I
have formed an idea of the worker. Reason and logic lead us to what? To
a villain, determined, audacious, and prudent, versed in the business.
And do you think that such a man would neglect a precaution that would
not be omitted by the stupidest tyro? It is inconceivable. What! this
man is so skillful as to leave such feeble traces that they escape
Gevrol's practised eye, and you think he would risk his safety by
leaving an entire night unaccounted for? It's impossible! I am as sure
of my system as of a sum that has been proved. The assassin has an
_alibi_. Albert has pleaded none; then he is innocent."
M. Daburon surveyed the detective pityingly, much as he would
have looked at a remarkable monomaniac. When the old fellow had
finished,--"My worthy M.
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