“What precaution do you mean?” inquired the magistrate.
“Well, sir, I think an order should be given to have May transferred to another prison. It doesn’t in the least matter which; you can select the one you please.”
“Why should we do that?”
“Because, during the few days preceding his release, it is absolutely necessary he should hold no communication with his friends outside, and that he should be unable to warn his accomplice.”
“Then you think he’s badly guarded where he is?” inquired M. Segmuller with seeming amazement.
“No, sir, I did not say that. I am satisfied that since the affair of the cipher note the governor’s vigilance has been unimpeachable. However, news from outside certainly reaches the suspected murderer at the Depot; we have had material evidence—full proof of that—and besides—”
The young detective paused in evident embarrassment. He plainly had some idea in his head to which he feared to give expression.
“And besides?” repeated the magistrate.
“Ah, well, sir! I will be perfectly frank with you. I find that Gevrol enjoys too much liberty at the Depot; he is perfectly at home there, he comes and goes as he likes, and no one ever thinks of asking what he is doing, where he is going, or what he wants. No pass is necessary for his admission, and he can influence the governor just as he likes. Now, to tell the truth, I distrust Gevrol.”
“Oh! Monsieur Lecoq!”