Where could
it have come from? That is no concern of mine, at present. But if
my theory is correct, justice will be forced to agree that the
several hundred francs found in Guespin's possession can and must
be the change for the note."
"That is only a theory," urged M. Domini in an irritated tone.
"That is true; but one which may turn out a certainty. It remains
for me to ask this man how Guespin carried away the articles which
he bought? Did he simply slip them into his pocket, or did he have
them done up in a bundle, and if so, how?"
The detective spoke in a sharp, hard, freezing tone, with a bitter
raillery in it, frightening his Corbeil colleague out of his
assurance.
"I don't know," stammered the latter. "They didn't tell me--I
thought--"
M. Lecoq raised his hands as if to call the heavens to witness: in
his heart, he was charmed with this fine occasion to revenge himself
for M. Domini's disdain. He could not, dared not say anything to
the judge; but he had the right to banter the agent and visit his
wrath upon him.
"Ah so, my lad," said he, "what did you go to Paris for? To show
Guespin's picture and detail the crime to the people at Vulcan's
Forges? They ought to be very grateful to you; but Madame Petit,
Monsieur Plantat's housekeeper, would have done as much.
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