Scene VII:—Mouzon, Etchepare, the recorder.
Recorder. Step forward.
Mouzon [to the recorder] Recorder, write. [Very quickly, stuttering] In the year nineteen hundred and ninety-seven, etc. Before me, Mouzon, examining magistrate, in the presence of—and so on—the Sieur Etchepare Jean-Pierre was brought to our office, his first appearance being recorded in the report of—and so on. We may mention that the accused, having consented to interrogation in the absence of his advocate—[To Etchepare] You do consent, don't you?
Etchepare. I am innocent. I don't need any advocate.
Mouzon [resumes his stuttering] We dispensed therewith. In consequence of which we have immediately proceeded as below to the interrogation of the said Sieur Etchepare Jean-Pierre. [To Etchepare] Etchepare, on the occasion of your first appearance you refused to reply, which wasn't perhaps very sensible of you, but you were within your rights. You lost your temper and I was even obliged to remind you of the respect due to the law. Are you going to speak to-day?
Etchepare [disturbed] Yes, your worship.
Mouzon. Ah! Aha! my fine fellow, you are not so proud to-day!
Etchepare. No. I've been thinking. I want to get out of this as quickly as possible.
Mouzon. Well, well, for my part, I ask nothing more than to be able to set you at liberty. So far we understand each other excellently. Let us hope it'll last. Sit down. And first of all I advise you to give up trying to father the crime onto a band of gipsies. The witness Bridet, who has business relations with you, has endeavored, no doubt at your instigation, to induce us to accept this fable. I warn you he has not succeeded.
Etchepare. I don't know what Bridet may have told you.