Guespin hung his head and remained silent.

"That is not all," continued M. Domini; "yesterday you had no money,
the fact is well known; one of your fellow-servants has just proved
it. To-day, one hundred and sixty-seven francs are found in your
wallet. Where did you get this money?"

The unhappy creature's lip moved as if he wished to answer; a
sudden thought seemed to check him, for he did not speak.

"More yet. What is this card of a hardware establishment that has
been found in your pocket?"

Guespin made a sign of desperation, and stammered:

"I am innocent."

"I have not as yet accused you," said the judge of instruction,
quickly. "You knew, perhaps, that the count received a considerable
sum yesterday?"

A bitter smile parted Guespin's lips as he answered:

"I know well enough that everything is against me."

There was a profound silence. The doctor, the mayor, and Plantat,
seized with a keen curiosity, dared not move. Perhaps nothing in
the world is more thrilling than one of these merciless duels
between justice and a man suspected of a crime. The questions may
seem insignificant, the answers irrelevant; both questions and