“For what purpose, then?”
The baron made no response. Was it not in compliance with the request of Maurice that the boat had been put in order?
“And finally,” continued Chupin, “when Lacheneur set fire to his house to give the signal for the insurrection, the prisoner was with him.”
“That,” exclaimed the duke, “is conclusive evidence.”
“I was, indeed, at the Reche,” interrupted the baron; “but it was, as I have already told you, with the firm determination of preventing this outbreak.”
M. de Sairmeuse gave utterance to a little disdainful laugh.
“Ah, gentlemen!” he said, addressing the commissioners, “can you not see that the prisoner’s courage does not equal his depravity? But I will confound him. What did you do, prisoner, when the insurgents left the Reche?”
“I returned to my home with all possible haste, took a horse and repaired to the Croix d’Arcy.”
“Then you knew that this was the spot appointed for the general rendezvous?”
“Lacheneur had just informed me.”