He was wrong, however,
in supposing that Lecoq had failed to foresee it; for it had never once
been out of the young detective's mind; and he had racked his brain
again and again to find some satisfactory explanation. At the present
moment he would undoubtedly have made some angry retort to the
governor's sneering criticism, as people are wont to do when their
antagonists discover the weak spot in their armor, had not M. Segmuller
opportunely intervened.
"All these recriminations do no good," he remarked, calmly; "we can make
no progress while they continue. It would be much wiser to decide upon
the course that is now to be pursued."
Thus reminded of the present situation of affairs, the young detective
smiled; all his rancor was forgotten. "There is, I think, but one course
to pursue," he replied in a modest tone; "and I believe it will
be successful by reason of its simplicity. We must substitute a
communication of our own composition for this one. That will not be
at all difficult, since I have the key to the cipher. I shall only
be obliged to purchase a similar volume of Beranger's songs; and May,
believing that he is addressing his accomplice, will reply in all
sincerity--will reveal everything perhaps--"
"Excuse me!" interrupted the governor, "but how will you obtain
possession of his reply?"
"Ah! you ask me too much. I know the way in which his letters have
reached him. For the rest, I will watch and find a way--never fear!"
Goguet, the smiling clerk, could not conceal an approving grin.
Pages:
259
260
261
262
263
264
265
266
267
268
269
270
271
272
273
274
275
276
277
278
279
280
281
282
283