This is the first time that a piece of news in the papers ever helped to nab a criminal." "Yes," murmured the magistrate, deep in thought, "yes, you are a valuable man, M.Tabaret." Then, louder, he added, "I am thoroughly convinced; for M.Gerdy has just this moment left me." "You have seen Noel!" cried the old fellow.

On the instant all his proud self-satisfaction disappeared.

A cloud of anxiety spread itself like a veil over his beaming countenance.

"Noel here," he repeated.

Then he timidly added: "And does he know ?" "Nothing," replied M.Daburon.