"In the name of the law," the prefect said in a stern voice, "don Antonio Cacerbar, you are my prisoner: corchetes, seize this man."
"Don Antonio Cacerbar no longer exists," don Jaime said, as he threw himself between his brother-in-law and the police agents.
"Thanks," the latter said, "thanks for having saved the honour of my name. Señores," he said in a loud voice, pointing to Dominique, who was standing by his side, "this is the Duke de Tobar. I am a great criminal; pray to Heaven to pardon me."
"Forward, corchetes!" the prefect cried; "Seize that man, I tell you."
"Come on, then," don Horacio answered, as he quickly raised his hand to his mouth.
Suddenly he turned pale, tottered like a drunken man, and rolled on the floor without even a sigh. He was dead. Don Horacio had poisoned himself.
"Señores," don Jaime then said to the prefect and the Alcalde mayor, "your duty ceases with the death of the culprit; his corpse henceforth belongs to his family. Have the goodness to withdraw."
"May God pardon the unhappy man this last crime!" the prefect said; "We have nothing more to do here."
And after bowing ceremoniously, he withdrew with his followers.
"Gentlemen," don Jaime said in a sad voice, addressing the spectators, who were terrified at the strange and rapid close of this scene, "let us pray for the soul of this great criminal."