"If it is a lie, then explain to me why you have employed a low sneak to watch the house and inform you from hour to hour what is going on there. Is that a lie also?"
Pierre grew very red in the face and tried to avert his father's gaze, but said nothing.
"Answer me, sir," said Duval with another of his searching looks.
"Oh, father, why do you ask me such ridiculous questions?"
"Ridiculous questions indeed. I suppose you will give that reply to the Juge d'Instruction when you are arraigned on the charge of wilful murder, and when the guillotine is staring you in the face? Hein!" and Duval looked at him once more with flashing eyes and tightly clenched teeth.
Pierre merely hung down his head.
"Hold up your head, sir," said Duval in a terrible voice, "and look me full in the face. I see your sense of guilt makes you ashamed to do it."
Pierre got up and made as if he would leave the room.
"Halt!" cried the General in a voice of thunder, and going quickly to the door he locked it and put the key in his pocket. "Now, sir, once for all, did you or did you not kill Delapine, and set fire to Villebois's house?"
Pierre could see from his father's face that prevarication was useless, and however much he denied the deed he would refuse to believe him.