that you are here, we will explain to you what has occurred."

"Oh, that's quite useless," responded Lecoq, with a satisfied air,
"perfectly useless, sir."

"Nevertheless, it is necessary that you should know--"

"What? that which monsieur the judge knows?" interrupted the
detective, "for that I already know. Let us agree there has been
a murder, with theft as its motive; and start from that point. The
countess's body has been found--not so that of the count. What
else? Bertaud, an acknowledged rogue, is arrested; he merits a
little punishment, doubtless. Guespin came back drunk; ah, there
are sad charges against this Guespin! His past is deplorable; it
is not known where he passed the night, he refuses to answer, he
brings no alibi--this is indeed grave!"

M. Plantat gazed at the detective with visible pleasure.

"Who has told you about these things?" asked M. Domini.

"Well--everybody has told me a little."

"But where?"

"Here: I've already been here two hours, and even heard the mayor's
speech."

And, satisfied with the effect he had produced, M. Lecoq munched a
lozenge.