Silence.
"Why don't you answer?"
"Because it's none of your business," snapped Fouchette.
"We'll see about that before the Commissaire," retorted the agent. "He'll take the sulk out of you."
"Hold on," put in the bargewoman; "don't be harsh with her, monsieur. She has been abused dreadfully. Her body is covered with bruises."
"So much more reason we should find out who did it,—who has attempted to murder the child into the bargain."
"She has been cruelly beaten."
Fouchette nodded.
"I'll have to take you to the Commissariat, my child."
"I don't care where you take me,—that is, if Tartar goes along."