"
At this stroke the man began to get angry; he frowned, and in his
bluffest tone, began:
"Look here now, you--"
"Ta, ta, ta," interrupted M. Lecoq. "Let me alone, and know who
is talking to you. I am Monsieur Lecoq."
The effect of the famous detective's name on his antagonist was
magical. He naturally laid down his arms and surrendered,
straightway becoming respectful and obsequious. It almost flattered
him to be roughly handled by such a celebrity. He muttered, in an
abashed and admiring tone:
"What, is it possible? You, Monsieur Lecoq!"
"Yes, it is I, young man; but console yourself; I bear no grudge
against you. You don't know your trade, but you have done me a
service and you have brought us a convincing proof of Guespin's
innocence."
M. Domini looked on at this scene with secret chagrin. His recruit
went over to the enemy, yielding without a struggle to a confessed
superiority. M. Lecoq's presumption, in speaking of a prisoner's
innocence whose guilt seemed to the judge indisputable, exasperated
him.
"And what is this tremendous proof, if you please?" asked he.
"It is simple and striking," answered M.
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