Benedetto listened with his maddening smile. Suddenly he said:
"Have you pen, ink and paper?"
"Yes, I have them. Why?"
"Produce them. I will give my reasons later."
Sanselme produced what was required.
"Very good," said Benedetto. "And now take this pen and oblige me by writing a few lines."
"What shall I write?"
"I will dictate to you, that will be easier.
"On the 24th of February, 1839, Benedetto, an escaped convict from Toulon, assassinated Madame Danglars, his mother."