The old man's suspicions had at last been aroused. He glanced at the detective in a suspicious manner, and said:
"See here, young man, I am not a fool; no, sir, neither am I blind—I mean intellectually blind."
"You are a very bright and remarkable old gentleman."
"I am?"
"Yes."
"You mean it?"
"I do."
"Then please tell me what you are driving at. You appear particularly interested in the death of this old Frenchman, that occurred over forty years ago."
"What makes you think I am interested?"
"Oh, I can see; you have asked me very strange questions. You have done more; you have questioned me in such a manner as to quicken my memory—yes, you have brought vividly before my mind all that occurred on that day when that Frenchman was killed."