"
XII
M. Segmuller certainly wished that a number had been branded upon
the enigmatical prisoner before him. And yet he did not by any means
despair, and his confidence, exaggerated though it might be, was not at
all feigned. He was of opinion that the weakest point of the prisoner's
defense so far was his pretended ignorance concerning the two women. He
proposed to return to this subject later on. In the mean while, however,
there were other matters to be dealt with.
When he felt that his threat as regards the women had had time to
produce its full effect, the magistrate continued: "So, prisoner, you
assert that you were acquainted with none of the persons you met at the
Poivriere."
"I swear it."
"Have you never had occasion to meet a person called Lacheneur, an
individual whose name is connected with this unfortunate affair?"
"I heard the name for the first time when it was pronounced by the dying
soldier. Poor fellow! I had just dealt him his death blow; and yet his
last words testified to my innocence."
This sentimental outburst produced no impression whatever upon the
magistrate. "In that case," said he, "I suppose you are willing to
accept this soldier's statement."
The man hesitated, as if conscious that he had fallen into a snare, and
that he would be obliged to weigh each answer carefully. "I accept it,"
said he at last. "Of course I accept it."
"Very well, then. This soldier, as you must recollect, wished to
revenge himself on Lacheneur, who, by promising him a sum of money, had
inveigled him into a conspiracy.
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