"
Just as he reached the boulevard, however, a new idea entered his brain,
an idea of so startling a kind that he could scarcely restrain a loud
exclamation of surprise. "What a fool I am!" cried he, striking his
hand violently against his forehead. "Is it possible to be so strong in
theory, and yet so ridiculously weak in practise? Ah! I am only a child,
a mere novice, disheartened by the slightest obstacle. I meet with
a difficulty, and at once I lose all my courage. Now, let me reflect
calmly. What did I tell the judge about this murderer, whose plan of
defense so puzzles us? Did I not tell him that we had to deal with a
man of superior talent--with a man of consummate penetration and
experience--a bold, courageous fellow of imperturbable coolness, who
will do anything to insure the success of his plans? Yes; I told him
all that, and yet I give up the game in despair as soon as I meet with a
single circumstance that I can not instantly explain. It is evident
that such a prisoner would not resort to old, hackneyed, commonplace
expedients. Time, patience, and research are requisite to find a flaw in
his defense. With such a man as he is, the more appearances are against
my presumptions, and in favor of his narrative, the more certain it is
that I am right--or else logic is no longer logic."
At this thought, Lecoq burst into a hearty laugh. "Still," continued he,
"it would perhaps be premature to expose this theory at headquarters in
Gevrol's presence.
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