Consulting the Judge, and laying these facts before him, it was agreed
that the Italian's offer seemed the most important, and he was
accordingly called in next.

"Who and what are you?" asked the Judge, carelessly, but the answer
roused him at once to intense interest, and he could not quite resist a
glance of reproach at M. Floçon.

"My name I have given you--Natale Ripaldi. I am a detective officer
belonging to the Roman police."

"What!" cried M. Floçon, colouring deeply. "This is unheard of. Why in
the name of all the devils have you withheld this most astonishing
statement until now?"

"Monsieur surely remembers. I told him half an hour ago I had something
important to communicate--"

"Yes, yes, of course. But why were you so reticent. Good Heavens!"

"Monsieur was not so encouraging that I felt disposed to force on him
what I knew he would have to hear in due course."

"It is monstrous--quite abominable, and shall not end here. Your
superiors shall hear of your conduct," went on the Chief, hotly.

"They will also hear, and, I think, listen to my version of the
story,--that I offered you fairly, and at the first opportunity, all the
information I had, and that you refused to accept it."