Chapter

  1 VI   |          trifle more definite than M. Lecoq’s fancies.”~Before
  2 VI   |   mechanically murmured his name: “M. Maurice d’Escorval.”~He
  3 VI   |           foot upon the threshold, M. d’Escorval acknowledged
  4 VI   |          to accompany me,” resumed M. d’Escorval, “he has not
  5 VI   |       learnt nothing,” interrupted M. d’Escorval, apparently
  6 VI   |            but again and again did M. d’Escorval nod his head
  7 VI   |            the inspector?” thought M. d’Escorval, not without
  8 VI   |         such a plausable one, that M. d’Escorval was silent,
  9 VI   |            given these directions, M. d’Escorval was turning
 10 VI   |            judge to deal with. But M. d’Escorval overawed him
 11 VII  |       recovered, we let him out. I’m sure, they didn’t talk to
 12 VII  |       showing the orders signed by M. d’Escorval, he added: “
 13 VII  |           Lecoq was now free until M. d’Escorval’s arrival. He
 14 VII  |        entrance of the prison, and M. d’Escorval alighted, followed
 15 VII  |    mistaken. Twenty minutes later, M. d’Escorval emerged from
 16 VII  |         insist upon a hearing, but M. d’Escorval had entered,
 17 VII  |            be,” he murmured, “that M. d’Escorval holds the key
 18 VIII |            reasons. He learnt from M. d’Escorval’s clerk that
 19 VIII |      prefecture to request you, on M. d’Escorval’s behalf, to
 20 VIII |       further, before appearing in M. d’Escorval’s presence.
 21 VIII |           Eugene), driver, care of M. Trigault. I lodge at his
 22 VIII |          ve made up my mind, and I’m a Breton, you know. I want
 23 VIII |          the top of his voice: “At M. Trigault’s house—don’t
 24 VIII |          oaken desk, he remarked: “M. d’Escorval is, of course,
 25 VIII |          his head. “No,” said he, “M. d’Escorval is not here
 26 IX   |       misfortune that had befallen M. d’Escorval, Lecoq’s face
 27 IX   |           Lecoq did not rejoice at M. d’Escorval’s accident;
 28 IX   |           the urgent business that M. d’Escorval had in charge
 29 IX   |      prefecture after you already. M. Segmuller has charge of
 30 IX   |           be in a talkative mood, “M. Segmuller—you don’t seem
 31 IX   |         whom he was about to work. M. Segmuller’s appearance
 32 IX   |       right.~Born near Strasbourg, M. Segmuller possessed that
 33 IX   |          the side of such a man as M. Segmuller a grave and slender
 34 IX   |          above, when Lecoq entered M. Segmuller’s room the latter
 35 IX   |    coincides with mine,” continued M. Segmuller, “and the public
 36 IX   |         prosecutor informs me that M. d’Escorval shares the same
 37 IX   |           plainly in his eyes that M. Segmuller could not restrain
 38 IX   |         doing since yesterday? Did M. d’Escorval give you any
 39 IX   |     comparison of the two parcels, M. Segmuller, who had been
 40 IX   |              While he was talking, M. Segmuller had carefully
 41 IX   |        police agents. Accordingly, M. Segmuller told Lecoq that
 42 IX   |  compliance with my orders?” asked M. Segmuller.~“Yes, sir; she
 43 IX   |    strength of her good looks. But M. Segmuller had unmasked
 44 IX   |        With a gesture of authority M. Segmuller warned Goguet,
 45 IX   |          the foils.~“Now,” resumed M. Segmuller, “we will note
 46 IX   |    offenses was not exhausted, but M. Segmuller thought it useless
 47 IX   |   lamentations did not much affect M. Segmuller, hence, suddenly
 48 IX   |         what you told them to me.”~M. Segmuller had reason to
 49 IX   |         future investigation. Both M. Segmuller and Lecoq were
 50 IX   |            and two women came in.”~M. Segmuller and the young
 51 IX   |        volubility, not a muscle of M. Segmuller’s face had betrayed
 52 IX   |       words to the smiling Goguet, M. Segmuller took a seat near
 53 IX   |         defense; it is the truth.”~M. Segmuller seemed to reflect
 54 IX   |      hesitation, “I can swear it.”~M. Segmuller looked up, intense
 55 IX   |    murderer’s character,” remarked M. Segmuller, “you are apparently
 56 IX   |           Oh, I didn’t say that, I’m sure, my good sir.”~“Yes,
 57 IX   |          Are you convinced?” asked M. Segmuller.~The old offender’
 58 IX   |           of a desolate waste.”~“I’m not a sorceress; I say what
 59 IX   |            Gustave?”~“Not at all.”~M. Segmuller noted the intonation
 60 IX   |          her denial, the effect of M. Segmuller’s remark was
 61 IX   |       discovered.~“Now,” continued M. Segmuller, “let us speak
 62 IX   |            was a moment’s silence. M. Segmuller determined to
 63 IX   |           in your system,” resumed M. Segmuller. “Believe me,
 64 IX   |             and was then led away.~M. Segmuller immediately seated
 65 X    |          greatest possible care by M. Segmuller, who was as skilful
 66 X    |     identity still a mystery. Both M. Segmuller and Lecoq were
 67 X    |         tears.”~In his impatience, M. Segmuller angrily stamped
 68 X    |      argument apparently convinced M. Segmuller. “What is your
 69 X    |      complains bitterly about it.”~M. Segmuller reflected for
 70 X    |           feel compelled to advise M. Segmuller to take every
 71 X    |       muscles; “Am I not here?”~If M. Segmuller had seated himself
 72 X    |           the magistrate,” replied M. Segmuller.~“No, the other
 73 X    |             In this case, however, M. Segmuller did not think
 74 X    |         spoken of, and accordingly M. Segmuller seated himself
 75 X    |            you feel better?” asked M. Segmuller.~“I feel very
 76 X    |       after a moment’s reflection, M. Segmuller added aloud: “
 77 X    |         Goguet, the smiling clerk.~M. Segmuller also found it
 78 X    |        your own conduct,” rejoined M. Segmuller, “If you will
 79 X    |         witness his sincerity.~But M. Segmuller immediately intervened: “
 80 X    |            his looks and gestures. M. Segmuller had, moreover,
 81 X    |            so hard to decide, that M. Segmuller and Lecoq were
 82 X    |            In Brittany, probably.”~M. Segmuller thought he could
 83 X    |        your own story, then,” said M. Segmuller in answer to
 84 X    |            rung false.~“Now,” said M. Segmuller, coldly, “what
 85 X    |    seventeen years that I was with M. Simpson’s company, I traveled
 86 X    |           I have a certain knack—”~M. Segmuller stroked his chin,
 87 X    |           if you please,” insisted M. Segmuller.~The supposed
 88 X    |           me hear, then!” retorted M. Segmuller, whose mother-tongue
 89 X    |      continued in the same strain.~M. Segmuller was leaning upon
 90 XI   |        contradiction did not cause M. Segmuller to abandon the
 91 XI   |           of the Sphinx.~Thus far, M. Segmuller had been worsted
 92 XI   |          about your last employer, M. Simpson? Who is he?”~“M.
 93 XI   |           M. Simpson? Who is he?”~“M. Simpson is a rich man,”
 94 XI   |      responded May, emphatically. “M. Simpson would willingly
 95 XI   |           this?”~“Last Wednesday.”~M. Segmuller shrugged his
 96 XI   |          eat and sleep, then?”~“In M. Simpson’s large traveling-carriage;
 97 XI   |           of this story?” inquired M. Segmuller.~“Wait a moment,”
 98 XI   |          name of this hotel,” said M. Segmuller, perceiving that
 99 XI   |   embarrassed.~“That’s just what I’m trying to recollect. I’ve
100 XI   |          it can. For the past hour M. Segmuller had not been
101 XI   |              The women were fair,” M. Segmuller would not have
102 XI   |           Widow Chupin.~Certainly, M. Segmuller’s satisfaction
103 XI   |          said the prisoner coldly.~M. Segmuller had opened the
104 XI   |         value of a diamond. Still, M. Segmuller did not seem
105 XI   |           it?”~“It was given me by M. Simpson as a souvenir.”~“
106 XI   |      souvenir.”~“Confess that this M. Simpson is a very convenient
107 XI   |           and did not rise again.”~M. Segmuller had unfolded
108 XI   |             he thanked heaven that M. Segmuller had supplied
109 XI   |          had supplied the place of M. d’Escorval.~“This admitted,”
110 XI   |        Prussians who are coming; I’m lost!’ What did you mean
111 XI   |          possible. When I was with M. Simpson, we had with us
112 XI   |          less ingenious. At least, M. Segmuller appeared to be
113 XI   |        silent.~“Ah, well!” resumed M. Segmuller, “let me tell
114 XII  |                                XII~M. Segmuller certainly wished
115 XII  |     followed your arrest,” resumed M. Segmuller. “Why did you
116 XII  |        tiny linen bag on his desk, M. Segmuller asked him if
117 XII  |          cast-off pair given me by M. Simpson.”~Lecoq struck
118 XII  |           any jury would believe.”~M. Segmuller was saying the
119 XII  |    immediate success vanished when M. Segmuller saw his redoubtable
120 XII  |            I am!” he exclaimed. “I’m losing my temper about these
121 XII  |           cabmen drove them home.”~M. Segmuller saw that the
122 XII  |               Enough!” interrupted M. Segmuller. “Your assurance
123 XII  |       assertion costs me my life—I’m May and none other.”~“No,
124 XII  |            Unfortunately for me, I’m only a poor devil, as I’
125 XIII |        When the prisoner had gone, M. Segmuller sank back in
126 XIII |          opinion, “what a rascal!”~M. Segmuller ordinarily put
127 XIII |          certainly not,” responded M. Segmuller; “we must, therefore,
128 XIII |          benevolent magistrate and M. d’Escorval, so taciturn
129 XIII |              Turning to his clerk, M. Segmuller added: “Quick,
130 XIII |         free in his cell,” replied M. Segmuller; “and tell the
131 XIII |           governor bowed assent to M. Segmuller’s instructions,
132 XIII |          is identical with that of M. Gevrol, the most experienced
133 XIII |        make an angry response when M. Segmuller motioned to him
134 XIII |            as it was already late, M. Segmuller confided to Lecoq’
135 XIV  |           summons to appear before M. Segmuller?~Under the power
136 XIV  |       prison were right, then, and M. Segmuller and he, Lecoq,
137 XIV  |            spoke to his secretary, M. Casimir, who said you were
138 XV   |   surprised; “but who are you?”~“I’m Father Absinthe.”~“Oh! indeed!
139 XV   |  punishment this time, for even if M. Lecoq is indulgent, you
140 XV   |            Poivriere?”~“No, sir, I’m quite sure there wasn’t.”~“
141 XVI  |         was another attraction for M. Segmuller’s investigating
142 XVI  |         the investigation offices.~M. Segmuller thought that
143 XVI  |          last,” gruffly ejaculated M. Segmuller, momentarily
144 XVI  |      excuse—an excuse cut short by M. Segmuller in such unusually
145 XVI  |          paper.~In the mean while, M. Segmuller who was usually
146 XVI  |    half-past nine till ten o’clock M. Segmuller rang for his
147 XVI  |      questions: “Are you sure that M. Lecoq has not been here
148 XVI  |          When the man had started, M. Segmuller began to recover
149 XVI  |           the real matter in hand, M. Segmuller wished to relieve
150 XVI  |        Polyte’s mind; accordingly, M. Segmuller continued: “You
151 XVI  |            it.”~The messenger whom M. Segmuller had instructed
152 XVI  |            detective.~Accordingly, M. Segmuller’s envoy retraced
153 XVI  |         without a minute’s delay. “M. Segmuller has asked for
154 XVI  |            results. Believing that M. Segmuller was anxiously
155 XVI  |          the photograph—in the man M. Segmuller was examining,
156 XVI  |       scene had been so brief that M. Segmuller was still forming
157 XVI  |     uttered?”~“Certainly,” replied M. Segmuller, “and word for
158 XVI  |           of everything!” murmured M. Segmuller. The meaning
159 XVI  |           came in just now?” asked M. Segmuller.~“Yes.”~“She
160 XVI  |              Well, then!” insisted M. Segmuller, “what did you
161 XVI  |          easy to understand, sir.”~M. Segmuller rose. “Don’t
162 XVI  | apprehension was based on fact, as M, Segmuller himself perceived
163 XVI  |      Accordingly, she answered all M. Segmuller’s questions with “
164 XVI  |          unreasoning as a brute’s? M. Segmuller hesitated. “You
165 XVI  |       mysterious murderer; as both M. Segmuller and Lecoq were
166 XVI  |          as it was, did not escape M. Segmuller. “What do you
167 XVI  |     suppositions evidently worried M. Segmuller, who for a moment
168 XVI  |            As soon as he perceived M. Segmuller he hastened toward
169 XVI  |          the magistrate exchanged.~M. Segmuller was plainly perplexed.
170 XVI  |            was cut to the quick by M. Segmuller’s implied doubt.
171 XVI  |           most skeptical mind, and M. Segmuller breathed again: “
172 XVI  |           Chupin told me.”~Neither M. Segmuller nor Lecoq could
173 XVI  |        forget yourself, sir,” said M. Segmuller severely. “You
174 XVII |            way back to his office, M. Segmuller mentally reviewed
175 XVII |          were various matters that M. Segmuller might at once
176 XVII |          were other witnesses whom M. Segmuller might examine.
177 XVII |      returned from the Prefecture. M. Segmuller at once asked
178 XVII |           s the case,” interrupted M. Segmuller, “this visitor
179 XVII |            must be the case,” said M. Segmuller, approvingly. “
180 XVII |      earring.”~“Go, then,” replied M. Segmuller, “and good luck
181 XVII |            sale being conducted by M. Petit, the eminent auctioneer.~
182 XVII |          this individual’s office. M. Petit remembered the Watchau
183 XVIII|          at the Palais de Justice.~M. Segmuller’s repeated efforts
184 XVIII|     occasion, when summoned before M. Segmuller, he ventured
185 XVIII|           you have confessed,” was M. Segmuller’s answer.~“Confessed
186 XVIII|         led while in the employ of M. Simpson, the showman. He
187 XVIII|            the fact that a certain M. Simpson was very well known
188 XVIII|   instigation.~So thus it was that M. Segmuller and Lecoq alone
189 XVIII|      sarcastic pleasantry. Nor did M. Segmuller escape scot free;
190 XVIII|           When thus assailed, both M. Segmuller and Lecoq could
191 XVIII|            Henceforth,” he said to M. Segmuller, “I also will
192 XVIII|           this proposal. “I warned M. Segmuller,” said he, “that
193 XVIII|         Lecoq opened the door than M. Segmuller and his clerk
194 XVIII|           the pellet of bread upon M. Segmuller’s desk. In an
195 XIX  |         sparkled for an instant in M. Segmuller’s eyes speedily
196 XIX  |        Very well,” was the reply. “M. Gevrol and myself may have
197 XIX  |            in their armor, had not M. Segmuller opportunely intervened.~“
198 XIX  |      Palais de Justice to acquaint M. Segmuller with what had
199 XIX  |           hasn’t read the letter.”~M. Segmuller was no less amazed
200 XIX  |            gentlemen will retire.”~M. Segmuller had already turned
201 XIX  |          say, gentlemen, whether I’m an honest man or not. The
202 XIX  |    uttering a falsehood?” insisted M. Segmuller. “What if I could
203 XIX  |            note which he had shown M. Segmuller corresponded
204 XIX  |            face of such obstinacy? M. Segmuller did not even
205 XIX  |  Disappointment alone had impelled M. Segmuller to utter these
206 XIX  |             my good fellow,” quoth M. Segmuller, despondently, “
207 XIX  |    themselves caught in the snare.~M. Segmuller knew all this,
208 XIX  |          victims were ruined. Now, M. Patrigent, the magistrate
209 XIX  |               Enough!” interrupted M. Segmuller. “I wish to hear
210 XIX  |           own accord.”~And in fact M. Segmuller did return to
211 XIX  |            Monsieur Lecoq.”~“Oh! I’m very far from the perfection
212 XIX  |         without being recognized.”~M. Segmuller made no rejoinder;
213 XIX  |       guess the truth of course. I’m quite aware of that.”~“Very
214 XIX  |            is not a bad one,” said M. Segmuller, eventually. “
215 XIX  |          the young man interrupted M. Segmuller. “What good would
216 XIX  |              The deuce!” exclaimed M. Segmuller; “in that case,
217 XIX  |        fleeting flush mantled over M. Segmuller’s forehead. “
218 XIX  |             said he, “they think I’m your dupe—and a fool besides.”~
219 XIX  |       willingly go through fire on M. Segmuller’s behalf. And
220 XIX  |  assistance.~“I suppose,” remarked M. Segmuller, who was now
221 XIX  |     guarded where he is?” inquired M. Segmuller with seeming
222 XIX  |          own opinion,” interrupted M. Segmuller.~“But how could
223 XIX  |         would explain everything.”~M. Segmuller had turned pale
224 XIX  |      detective force? Thus thought M. Segmuller, but he had no
225 XIX  |       quarter of an hour afterward M. Segmuller, who usually
226 XIX  |     Escorval’s servants,” remarked M. Segmuller. “He’s richer
227 XIX  |         our mysterious May.”~“Then M. d’Escorval is interested
228 XIX  |        shown me such confidence as M. Segmuller.” He had, indeed,
229 XIX  |         himself: for that very day M. Segmuller, who was a man
230 XIX  |          imprisonment. After this, M. Segmuller had nothing to
231 XIX  |          impression that, although M. Segmuller reserved twenty-four
232 XX   |          his pocket. “Take this to M. Segmuller at once; it is
233 XX   |       documents confided to him by M. Segmuller, for a particular
234 XX   |           good would it do? Hasn’t M. Segmuller examined and
235 XXI  |      loafer. “Ah,” he rejoined, “I’m not what I seem to be. I’
236 XXI  |           not what I seem to be. I’m an agent of the secret service;
237 XXI  |           received an explanation, M. Otto condescended to compliment
238 XXI  |          escape. Oh! I’ve no fears—M. Segmuller will know how
239 XXII |          is not Couturier.”~“Oh, I’m not mistaken; you may be
240 XXII |           I have strength to go to M. Segmuller and say: ‘Forgive
241 XXII |     inquired of the concierge: “Is M. Tabaret at home?”~“Yes,
242 XXII |          commiseration, he added: “M. Tabaret is not wise to
243 XXIII|            and coarse, thick lips, M. Tabaret seemed an excellent
244 XXIII|          then, when you heard that M. d’Escorval had broken his
245 XXIII|    exclaimed; “do you suppose that M. d’Escorval’s fall was only
246 XXIII|        suppose it,” he replied; “I’m sure of it.”~
247 XXIV |           are ready to affirm that M. d’Escorval is in quite
248 XXIV |          Tabaret, “you would adopt M. d’Escorval’s expedient;
249 XXIV |             you are convinced that M. d’Escorval knows who May
250 XXIV |            what I understand. When M. d’Escorval has completed
251 XXIV |            third party was present—M. d’Escorval’s clerk. So
252 XXIV |            after leaving the cell, M. d’Escorval no doubt said
253 XXIV |         leg.”~“Then you think that M. d’Escorval and May are
254 XXIV |         enemy. He expected to find M. d’Escorval there, ready
255 XXIV |           so.’ However, instead of M. d’Escorval, he sees M.
256 XXIV |          of M. d’Escorval, he sees M. Segmuller. Then what happens?
257 XXIV |         hope; for he thinks, since M. d’Escorval has not betrayed
258 XXIV |         Recollect the perseverance M. d’Escorval displayed in
259 XXIV |            displayed in sending to M. Segmuller for information.
260 XXIV |         know very well that when I’m suffering, half the world
261 XXIV |          his character.~Meanwhile, M. Tabaret had poured out
262 XXV  |         don’t see the connection.”~M. Tabaret did not deign to
263 XXV  |            the books were brought, M. Tabaret began turning the
264 XXV  |            of the First Counsel by M. de Talleyrand, he began
265 XXV  |          lips. “It teaches us that M. d’Escorval’s father was
266 XXV  |          the father of the present M. d’Escorval beheaded.”~M.
267 XXV  |           M. d’Escorval beheaded.”~M. Tabaret was the picture
268 XXV  |        sentence in his biography: ‘M. Sairmeuse leaves behind