"She never told me of it."

"Did she spend much money with you?"

"That depends. About sixty francs a month; sometimes more, for she
always buys the best brandy. She paid cash for all she bought."

The woman knowing no more was dismissed. The child, who was now brought
forward, belonged to parents in easy circumstances. Tall and strong
for his age, he had bright intelligent eyes, and features expressive of
watchfulness and cunning. The presence of the magistrate did not seem to
intimidate him in the least.

"Let us hear, my boy," said M. Daburon, "what you know."

"Well, sir, a few days ago, on Sunday last, I saw a man at Madame
Lerouge's garden-gate."

"At what time of the day?"

"Early in the morning. I was going to church, to serve in the second
mass."

"Well," continued the magistrate, "and this man was tall and sunburnt,
and dressed in a blouse?"

"No, sir, on the contrary, he was short, very fat, and old."

"You are sure you are not mistaken?"