think that he believes too implicitly in what seems to him evidence. I
could swear that this affair is not what it seems to be; and I am sure
that if we like we can discover the mystery which is concealed beneath
present appearances."

Although Lecoq's vehemence was intense, he did not succeed in making
any impression upon his companion, who with a yawn that threatened to
dislocate his jaws replied: "Perhaps you are right; but I am going to
bed. This need not prevent you from searching around, however; and if
you find anything you can wake me."

Lecoq made no sign of impatience: nor in reality was he impatient. These
words afforded him the opportunity for which he was longing. "You will
give me a moment first," he remarked. "In five minutes, by your watch, I
promise to let you put your finger on the mystery that I suspect here."

"Well, go on for five minutes."

"After that you shall be free, Father Absinthe. Only it is clear that if
I unravel the mystery alone, I alone ought to pocket the reward that a
solution will certainly bring."

At the word "reward" the old police agent pricked up his ears. He was
dazzled by the vision of an infinite number of bottles of the greenish
liquor whose name he bore. "Convince me, then," said he, taking a seat
upon a stool, which he had lifted from the floor.

Lecoq remained standing in front of him. "To begin with," he remarked,
"whom do you suppose the person we have just arrested to be?"