on these two. Their guilt is all but established. Their own acts
condemn them. They must be arrested without a moment's delay."

"If you can find them!" suggested the Judge, with a very
perceptible sneer.

"That we shall certainly do. Trust to Block, who is very nearly
concerned. His future depends on his success. You quite understand
that, my man?"

Block made a gesture half-deprecating, half-confident.

"I do not despair, gentlemen; and if I might make so bold, sir, I
will ask you to assist? If you would give orders direct from the
Prefecture to make the round of the cab-stands, to ask of all the
agents in charge the information we need? Before night we shall
have heard from the cabman who drove them what became of this
couple, and so get our birds themselves, or a point of fresh
departure."

"And you, Block, where shall you go?"

"Where I left him, or rather where he left me," replied the
inspector, with an attempt at wit, which fell quite flat, being
extinguished by a frigid look from the Judge.

"Go," said M. Floçon, briefly and severely, to his subordinate;
"and remember that you have now to justify your retention on the
force."