"
Then, by a turn of his hand, he readjusted his physiognomy of last
night, while the master of the house went out to give some orders,
which M. Lecoq did so deftly, that when M. Plantat returned, he
could scarcely believe his eyes.
They sat down to breakfast and ate their meal as silently as they
had done the dinner of the evening before, losing no time about it.
They appreciated the value of the passing moments; M. Domini was
waiting for them at Corbeil, and was doubtless getting impatient at
their delay.
Louis had just placed a sumptuous dish of fruit upon the table,
when it occurred to M. Lecoq that Robelot was still shut up in the
closet.
"Probably the rascal needs something," said he.
M. Plantat wished to send his servant to him; but M. Lecoq objected.
"He's a dangerous rogue," said he. "I'll go myself."
He went out, but almost instantly his voice was heard:
"Messieurs! Messieurs, see here!"
The doctor and M. Plantat hastened into the library.
Across the threshold of the closet was stretched the body of the
bone-setter. He had killed himself.
XXII
Robelot must have had rare presence of mind and courage to kill
himself in that obscure closet, without making enough noise to
arouse the attention of those in the library.
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