Three prisoners were draped in coverings so as to completely disguise their height.

Over their faces were thick veils, allowing nothing of the features to be seen except the eyes, for which holes had been made; and in this state they were shown to Gevrol.
Without the slightest hesitation he recognised the prisoners and named them.

Had chance alone assisted him?
The subordinate Gevrol had brought with him, was an old offender, reconciled to the law.

A smart fellow in his profession, crafty as a fox, and jealous of his chief, whose abilities he held in light estimation.

His name was Lecoq.
The commissary, by this time heartily tired of his responsibilities, welcomed the investigating magistrate and his agents as liberators.