I have only practised at it for a
twelvemonth, but I can easily make myself look old or young, dark or
light, or assume the manner of a man of the world, or of some frightful
ruffian of the barrieres."
"I wasn't aware that you possessed this talent, Monsieur Lecoq."
"Oh! I'm very far from the perfection I hope to arrive at; though I may
venture to say that in three days from now I could call on you and talk
with you for half an hour without being recognized."
M. Segmuller made no rejoinder; and it was evident to Lecoq that the
magistrate had offered this objection rather in the hope of its being
overruled, than with the wish to see it prevail.
"I think, my poor fellow," he at length observed, "that you are
strangely deceived. We have both been equally anxious to penetrate
the mystery that enshrouds this strange man. We have both admired
his wonderful acuteness--for his sagacity is wonderful; so marvelous,
indeed, that it exceeds the limits of imagination. Do you believe that
a man of his penetration would betray himself like an ordinary prisoner?
He will understand at once, if he is set at liberty, that his freedom is
only given him so that we may surprise his secret."
"I don't deceive myself, sir. May will guess the truth of course. I'm
quite aware of that."
"Very well. Then, what would be the use of attempting what you propose?"
"I have come to this conclusion," replied Lecoq, "May will find himself
strangely embarrassed, even when he's set free.
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