When Lecoq had explained the reasons that had led him to collect this
soil, and the conclusions that might be drawn from a comparison of the
two parcels, M. Segmuller, who had been listening attentively, at once
exclaimed: "You are right. It may be that you have discovered a means to
confound all the prisoner's denials. At all events, this is certainly a
proof of surprising sagacity on your part."
So it must have been, for Goguet, the clerk, nodded approvingly.
"Capital!" he murmured. "I should never have thought of that."
While he was talking, M. Segmuller had carefully placed all the
so-called "articles of conviction" in a large drawer, from which they
would not emerge until the trial. "Now," said he, "I understand the case
well enough to examine the Widow Chupin. We may gain some information
from her."
He was laying his hand upon the bell, when Lecoq stopped him with an
almost supplicating gesture. "I have one great favor to ask you, sir,"
he observed.
"What is it?--speak."
"I should very much like to be present at this examination. It takes so
little, sometimes, to awaken a happy inspiration."
Although the law says that the accused shall first of all be privately
examined by the investigating magistrate assisted by his clerk, it also
allows the presence of police agents. Accordingly, M. Segmuller told
Lecoq that he might remain. At the same time he rang his bell; which was
speedily answered by a messenger.
"Has the Widow Chupin been brought here, in compliance with my orders?"
asked M.
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