"Monsieur the Judge," said he, "is perhaps now convinced that the
deed was done at half-past ten."

"Unless," interrupted M. Plantat, "the machinery of the clock has
been out of order."

"That often happens," added M. Courtois. "The clock in my
drawing-room is in such a state that I never know the time of day."

M. Lecoq reflected.

"It is possible," said he, "that Monsieur Plantat is right. The
probability is in favor of my theory; but probability, in such an
affair, is not sufficient; we must have certainty. There happily
remains a mode of testing the matter--the bed; I'll wager it is
rumpled up." Then addressing the mayor, "I shall need a servant to
lend me a hand."

"I'll help you," said Plantat, "that will be a quicker way."

They lifted the top of the bed and set it on the floor, at the
same time raising the curtains.

"Hum!" cried M. Lecoq, "was I right?"

"True," said M. Domini, surprised, "the bed is rumpled."

"Yes; and yet no one has lain in it."

"But--" objected M. Courtois.