"Here it is," said he. "The paper hasn't been opened since that accursed
night."
And, in fact, when the magistrate unfolded it, some dust fell out, which
had been used to keep the writing, when wet, from blotting.
It was really a brief description of the scene, described by the old
sailor. The four signatures were there.
"What has become of the witnesses who signed this declaration?" murmured
the magistrate, speaking to himself.
Lerouge, who thought the question was put to him, replied, "Germain is
dead. I have been told that he was drowned when out rowing. Claudine
has just been assassinated; but the other nurse still lives. I even know
that she spoke of the affair to her husband, for he hinted as much
to me. His name is Brosette, and she lives in the village of Commarin
itself."
"And what next?" asked the magistrate, after having taken down the name
and address.
"The next day, sir, Claudine managed to pacify me, and extorted a
promise of secrecy. The child was scarcely ill at all; but he retained
an enormous scar on his arm."
"Was Madame Gerdy informed of what took place?"
"I do not think so, sir. But I would rather say that I do not know.
Pages:
496
497
498
499
500
501
502
503
504
505
506
507
508
509
510
511
512
513
514
515
516
517
518
519
520