"Are you going to tell us who the murderer was?" asked the President,
somewhat convinced though still sceptical.

"I have come for that purpose, Monsieur President!" replied
Rouletabille.

An attempt at applause was silenced by the usher.

"Joseph Rouletabille," said Maitre Henri Robert, "has not been
regularly subpoenaed as a witness, but I hope, Monsieur President,
you will examine him in virtue of your discretionary powers."

"Very well!" said the President, "we will question him. But we must
proceed in order."

The Advocate-General rose:

"It would, perhaps, be better," he said, "if the young man were to
tell us now whom he suspects."

The President nodded ironically:

"If the Advocate-General attaches importance to the deposition of
Monsieur Joseph Rouletabille, I see no reason why this witness
should not give us the name of the murderer."

A pin drop could have been heard. Rouletabille stood silent looking
sympathetically at Darzac, who, for the first time since the opening
of the trial, showed himself agitated.