"I am a gentleman, living on my means."
"It is false." An angry flush rose to Gascoigne's face as the judge thus gave him the lie. "It is false—you are a professional gambler—a Greek—a sharper, with no ostensible means!"
"Pardon me, monsieur; you are quite misinformed. I could prove to you ----"
"It would be useless; the police have long known and watched you."
"Such espionage is below contempt," cried Gascoigne, indignantly.
"Silence! Do not dare to question the conduct of the authorities. It is the visit of persons of your stamp to Paris that renders such precautions necessary."
"If you believe all you hear from your low agents, with their lying, scandalous reports—"
"Be careful, prisoner; your demeanour will get you into trouble. Our information about you is accurate and trustworthy. Judge for yourself."
Gascoigne looked incredulous.
"Listen; you arrived in Paris three months ago, accompanied by a young demoiselle whom you had decoyed from her home."