Vagret. I have recently issued the strictest orders respecting the repression of smuggling offences, which are so common in these parts.
Bunerat. Well, that's something. You understand the point of view we take. It's a question of the safety of the public, my dear fellow.
Mouzon. We are falling behind other Courts of the same class. See, I've worked out the figures. [He takes a paper from his pocket-book and accidentally drops other papers, which La Bouzole picks up] I see—
La Bouzole. You are dropping your papers, Mouzon. Is this yours—this envelope? [He reads] "Monsieur Benoît, Officer of the Navy, Railway Hotel, Bordeaux." A nice scent—
Mouzon [flurried, taking the letter from La Bouzole] Yes—a letter belonging to a friend of mine.
La Bouzole. And this? The Irissary murder?
Mouzon. Ah, yes—it's—I was going to explain—it's—oh, the Irissary murder, yes—it's the translation Bunerat gave me of the article which appeared in the Eskual Herria to-day. It is extremely unpleasant. They say Mauleon is a sort of penal Court—something like a Biribi of the magistracy.
Vagret. But, after all, I can't invent a murderer for you just because the fellow is so pig-headed that he won't allow himself to be taken! Delorme has sent the description they gave us to the offices of all the magistrates.
Mouzon. Delorme! Shall I tell you what I think? Well, our colleague Delorme is making a mistake in sticking to the idea that the criminal is a tramp.
Vagret. But there is a witness.