The little man twisted his hands nervously.
"In that I admit I was most culpable, sir," he said. "But when I looked in my desk for a blank, I found that I had none. Every day I intended going to the Prefecture to get a new supply, but every day something occurred to prevent me. And then came the day of his departure."
Lépine's face was very stern.
"You have, indeed, been culpable," he said, "and I shall see that you are punished. You have broken one of the laws of your country. You have aided a malefactor!"
The little man's face was livid.
"Oh, do not say so, sir!" he protested. "There must be some mistake! That kind gentleman, absorbed only in his invention—"
"I do say so," broke in Lépine, savagely. "Did he receive any letters?"
"One, sir, on the Saturday before the arrival of the telegram. No doubt it, too, spoke of the illness of his sister."
Lépine put his hand wearily to his head.
"At least you noticed the address on the letter?" he asked.