“I have already told you, sir.”
“No, sir, you have not; and I regret to say that you lied to me.”
Albert, at this apparent insult, turned red, and his eyes flashed.
“I know all that you did on that evening,” continued the magistrate, “because justice, as I have already told you, is ignorant of nothing that it is important for it to know.”
Then, looking straight into Albert’s eyes, he continued slowly: “I have seen Mademoiselle Claire d’Arlange.”
On hearing that name, the prisoner’s features, contracted by a firm resolve not to give way, relaxed.
It seemed as though he experienced an immense sensation of delight, like a man who escapes almost by a miracle from an imminent danger which he had despaired of avoiding. However, he made no reply.
“Mademoiselle d’Arlange,” continued the magistrate, “has told me where you were on Tuesday evening.”
Albert still hesitated.
“I am not setting a trap for you,” added M. Daburon; “I give you my word of honour. She has told me all, you understand?”