Having examined the man a long time, the judge of instruction
shrugged his shoulders. "Well," said M. Domini, finally, "now
that you are here, we will explain to you what has occurred."
"Oh, that's quite useless," responded Lecoq, with a satisfied air,
"perfectly useless, sir."
"Nevertheless, it is necessary that you should know--"
"What? that which monsieur the judge knows?" interrupted the
detective, "for that I already know. Let us agree there has been
a murder, with theft as its motive; and start from that point. The
countess's body has been found--not so that of the count. What
else? Bertaud, an acknowledged rogue, is arrested; he merits a
little punishment, doubtless. Guespin came back drunk; ah, there
are sad charges against this Guespin! His past is deplorable; it
is not known where he passed the night, he refuses to answer, he
brings no alibi--this is indeed grave!"
M. Plantat gazed at the detective with visible pleasure.
"Who has told you about these things?" asked M. Domini.
"Well--everybody has told me a little."
"But where?"
"Here: I've already been here two hours, and even heard the mayor's
speech.
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