"
The recollection of certain sarcastic smiles he had often detected on
the faces of colleagues and subordinates alike, the memory of
numerous covert allusions to Casper Hauser, and the Man with the
Iron Mask--allusions which had stung him to the quick--induced him to
hesitate no longer.
"Very well! I will aid you, Monsieur Lecoq," he exclaimed. "I should
like you to triumph over your enemies. I will get up at once and
accompany you to the Palais de Justice. I will see the public prosecutor
myself; I will speak to him, and plead your case for you."
Lecoq's joy was intense. Never, no never, had he dared to hope for such
assistance. Ah! after this he would willingly go through fire on M.
Segmuller's behalf. And yet, despite his inward exultation, he had
sufficient control over his feelings to preserve a sober face. This
victory must be concealed under penalty of forfeiting the benefits that
might accrue from it. Certainly, the young detective had said nothing
that was untrue; but there are different ways of presenting the truth,
and he had, perhaps, exaggerated a trifle in order to excite the
magistrate's rancor, and win his needful assistance.
"I suppose," remarked M. Segmuller, who was now quite calm again--no
outward sign of wounded vanity being perceptible--"I suppose you
have decided what stratagem must be employed to lull the prisoner's
suspicions if he is permitted to escape."
"I must confess I haven't given it a thought," replied Lecoq.
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