abject expression of a dog who tries to read something in his master's
eyes.

"Tell us, my friend," said the Countess gently,--"tell us."

A flash of intelligence shone in Cocoleu's eyes.

"They--they set it on fire," he stammered.

"On purpose?"

"Yes."

"Who?"

"A gentleman."

There was not a person present at this extraordinary scene who did not
anxiously hold his breath as the word was uttered. The doctor alone kept
cool, and exclaimed,--

"Such an examination is sheer folly!"

But the magistrate did not seem to hear his words; and, turning to
Cocoleu, he asked him, in a deeply agitated tone of voice--

"Did you see the gentleman?"

"Yes."