Lecoq rose and hastened, well-nigh breathless with anxiety, toward the
magistrate.

"My researches on the spot," said this functionary, "confirm me in the
belief that you are right. Is there anything fresh?"

"Yes, sir; a fact that is apparently very trivial, though, in truth, it
is of importance that--"

"Very well!" interrupted the magistrate. "You will explain it to me by
and by. First of all, I must summarily examine the prisoners. A mere
matter of form for to-day. Wait for me here."

Although the magistrate promised to make haste, Lecoq expected that
at least an hour would elapse before he reappeared. In this he was
mistaken. Twenty minutes later, M. d'Escorval emerged from the prison
without his clerk.

He was walking very fast, and instead of approaching the young
detective, he called to him at some little distance. "I must return home
at once," he said, "instantly; I can not listen to you."

"But, sir--"

"Enough! the bodies of the victims have been taken to the Morgue. Keep
a sharp lookout there. Then, this evening make--well--do whatever you
think best."

"But, sir, I must--"