"
"Pardon me," objected Lecoq, gently. "It seems to me that
Mademoiselle Courtois's supposed suicide proves at least something."
"That needs clearing up. This coincidence can only be a matter of
pure chance."
"But I am sure that Monsieur Tremorel shaved himself--of that we
have proof; then, we did not find the boots which, according to
the valet, he put on the morning of the murder."
"Softly, softly," interrupted the judge. "I don't pretend that you
are absolutely wrong; it must be as you say; only I give you my
objections. Let us admit that Tremorel killed his wife, that he
fled and is alive. Does that clear Guespin, and show that he took
no part in the murder?"
This was evidently the flaw in Lecoq's case; but being convinced
of Hector's guilt, he had given little heed to the poor gardener,
thinking that his innocence would appear of itself when the real
criminal was arrested. He was about to reply, when footsteps and
voices were heard in the corridor.
"Stop," said M. Domini. "Doubtless we shall now hear something
important about Guespin."
"Are you expecting some new witness?" asked M. Plantat.
"No; I expect one of the Corbeil police to whom I have given an
important mission.
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