His answers were of the
shortest. He began and ended as on the first occasion, by protesting his
innocence.
One test, which has often given the desired result, still remained to be
tried.
On this same day, Saturday, Albert was confronted with the corpse of
Widow Lerouge. He appeared impressed by the sad sight, but no more than
anyone would be, if forced to look at the victim of an assassination
four days after the crime. One of the bystanders having exclaimed: "Ah,
if she could but speak!" he replied: "That would be very fortunate for
me."
Since morning, M. Daburon had not gained the least advantage. He had had
to acknowledge the failure of his manoeuvres; and now this last attempt
had not succeeded either. The prisoner's continued calmness filled to
overflowing the exasperation of this man so sure of his guilt. His spite
was evident to all, when, suddenly ceasing his wheedling, he harshly
gave the order to re-conduct the prisoner to his cell.
"I will compel him to confess!" he muttered between his teeth.
Perhaps he regretted those gentle instruments of investigation of the
middle ages, which compelled the prisoner to say whatever one wished to
hear.
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