"Come along," cried he, "come along!"
They hastened off.
"Poor man!" said the judge of instruction. "Perhaps his daughter is dead."
M. Plantat shook his head.
"If it were only that!" muttered he. He added, turning to M. Domini:
"Do you recall the allusions of Bertaud, monsieur?"
VII
The judge of instruction, the doctor, and M. Plantat exchanged a significant look. What misfortune had befallen M. Courtois, this worthy, and despite his faults, excellent person? Decidedly, this was an ill-omened day!
"If we are to speak of Bertaud's allusions," said M. Lecoq, "I have heard two very curious stories, though I have been here but a few hours. It seems that this Mademoiselle Laurence—"
M. Plantat abruptly interrupted the detective.