perceived that a large, excited crowd was gathered outside the
building. The newspapers had reported the tragedy at the Widow Chupin's
drinking-den, of course, more or less correctly, and everybody wished to
see the victims.

On drawing near the Pont Notre Dame, Lecoq told the driver to pull up.
"I prefer to alight here, rather than in front of the Morgue," he said,
springing to the ground. Then, producing first his watch, and next
his purse, he added: "We have been an hour and forty minutes, my good
fellow, consequently I owe you--"

"Nothing at all," replied the driver, decidedly.

"But--"

"No--not a sou. I am too worried already to think that I took the money
these hussies offered me. It would only have served me right if the
liquor I bought with it had given me the gripes. Don't be uneasy about
the score, and if you need a trap use mine for nothing, till you have
caught the jades." As Lecoq's purse was low, he did not insist. "You
will, at least, take my name and address?" continued the driver.

"Certainly. The magistrate will want your evidence, and a summons will
be sent you."

"All right, then. Address it to Papillon (Eugene), driver, care of M.
Trigault. I lodge at his place, because I have some small interest in
the business, you see."

The young detective was hastening away, when Papillon called him back.