written on the promissory note."

The president gave the order for the requisite articles to be
brought and laid on a side-table. Retaux took the pen, and with a
rapid hand wrote some words, which he gave to the officer to be
carried to the president.

The latter took the paper and compared it with the words which were
written on the promissory note. He then passed the two to the
attorney-general, and he to the judge next to him. The papers passed
from hand to hand, and, after they came back to the president again,
he rose from his seat:

"I believe that the characters on this paper precisely accord with
those on the note. The witness has given what seems to me
irrefutable testimony that he was the writer of that signature, as
well as of the letters to the cardinal. He was the culpable
instrument of the criminal Lamotte-Valois. Those of the judges who
are of my opinion will rise."

The judges arose as one man.

The countess uttered a loud cry and fell, seized with fearful
spasms, to the ground.

"I declare the investigation and hearings ended," said the
president, covering his head. "Let the accused and the witnesses be
removed, and the spectators' tribune be vacated. We will adjourn to
the council-room to prepare the sentence, which will be given to-
morrow."