Servin handed his superior a card. On it the commandant read:
Inspector Juve,
Detective Force,
Police Headquarters.
"What does he want?"
"He is the detective who arrested Vinson."
"Well," exclaimed the exasperated Dumoulin, "he arrives at the right moment! Let him come in!"
Juve entered and saluted Dumoulin with an amiable smile. He did not take any notice of the prisoner, who was standing with his back to the light.
"It is I, Commandant, who arrested Corporal Vinson; consequently, I have come to place myself at your disposal."
"You have done the right thing!" cried Dumoulin. "Now, will you get this prisoner to own up? Make him tell us whether or no he is Corporal Vinson!"
Dumoulin pointed an irate finger at the prisoner.
Our detective stood rooted to the ground!... The prisoner moved quickly towards him.