Laforêt felt the hand of his companion shake, and, at the same time, Baudoin murmured in accents of frightful anguish—
“It is he—yes, that is the man; I recognize his laugh!”
He gave a gesture of anger, but Laforêt immediately restrained him.
“Listen once more! Make sure that you are not mistaken!”
“It is he! I cannot be mistaken! Ah! that laugh of his; just as I heard it on the night of the crime, when he descended from the carriage.”
“Well, then, we know all we want. We must not stay any longer here; it is useless to risk any unnecessary danger.”
Thereupon he glided down to the edge of the zinc roof. Baudoin followed him, and the two men put on their shoes and reached the courtyard. There they halted. The door of the inn was closed, but Laforêt knew how to deal with locks, and, a second later, his companion and himself were in the open street.
“What are you going to do now?” said Baudoin. “The police are at hand. Will you hesitate to lock up this villain at once?”
“Good!” said Laforêt. “That is one solution. And afterwards?”
“What do you mean—afterwards?”