Spiagudry was by no means anxious to allow the new-comer to see Gill’s body, but these last words comforted him considerably; and besides, how could he prevent his entrance?
He accordingly allowed the young man to pass, and closing the door, said: “Benignus Spiagudry is at your service in all that relates to human science; yet if, as your unseasonable visit seems to show, you suppose that you are dealing with a sorcerer, you are wrong; ne famam credas; I am only a learned man. Enter my laboratory, stranger.”
“Not at all,” said Ordener; “my errand is with these corpses.”
“These corpses!” said Spiagudry, beginning to tremble again. “But, sir, you cannot see them.”
“What! I cannot see bodies which are placed here for the sole purpose of being seen! I repeat, that I wish to question you concerning one of them; it is your duty to answer. Obey cheerfully, old man, or you will be forced to obey.”
Spiagudry had a sincere respect for swords, and he saw the flash of steel at Ordener’s side.
“Nihil non arrogat armis,” he muttered; and fumbling with his bunch of keys, he opened the grating, and admitted the stranger into the second section of the hall.
“Show me the captain’s clothes,” said the latter.
At this instant a ray from the lamp fell upon Gill Stadt’s bloody head.