He emphasized this word
"alone."
A moment later the door was flung open with a violent jerk, and the
prisoner entered, or rather precipitated himself into the room. Goguet
turned pale behind his table, and Lecoq advanced a step forward, ready
to spring upon the prisoner and pinion him should it be requisite. But
when the latter reached the centre of the room, he paused and looked
around him. "Where is the magistrate?" he inquired, in a hoarse voice.
"I am the magistrate," replied M. Segmuller.
"No, the other one."
"What other one?"
"The one who came to question me last evening."
"He has met with an accident. Yesterday, after leaving you, he fell down
and broke his leg."
"Oh!"
"And I am to take his place."
The prisoner was apparently deaf to the explanation. Excitement had
seemingly given way to stupor. His features, hitherto contracted with
anger, now relaxed. He grew pale and tottered, as if about to fall.
"Compose yourself," said the magistrate in a benevolent tone; "if you
are too weak to remain standing, take a seat."
Already, with a powerful effort, the man had recovered his
self-possession. A momentary gleam flashed from his eyes. "Many thanks
for your kindness," he replied, "but this is nothing. I felt a slight
sensation of dizziness, but it is over now."
"Is it long since you have eaten anything?"
"I have eaten nothing since that man"--and so saying he pointed to
Lecoq--"brought me some bread and wine at the station house.
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