"Good Heaven!" thought he, "what an audacious and cynical rascal!
and to think that one is liable at any time to admit such servants
into his house!"

The judge held his tongue. He knew that Guespin was in such a state
that, under the irresistible impulse of passion, he might betray his
innermost thoughts.

"But there is one thing," continued the suspected man, "that the
record will not tell you; that, disgusted with this abject life, I
was tempted to suicide. It will not tell you anything of my
desperate attempts, my repentance, my relapses. At last, I was
able in part to reform. I got work; and after being in four
situations, engaged myself here. I found myself well off. I always
spent my month's wages in advance, it's true--but what would you
have? And ask if anyone has ever had to complain of me."

It is well known that among the most intelligent criminals, those
who have had a certain degree of education, and enjoyed some good
fortune, are the most redoubtable. According to this, Guespin was
decidedly dangerous. So thought those who heard him. Meanwhile,
exhausted by his excitement, he paused and wiped his face, covered
with perspiration.

M. Domini had not lost sight of his plan of attack.

"All that is very well," said he, "we will return to your confession
at the proper time and place. But just now the question is, how you
spent your night, and where you got this money."