It was his clerk, whom he had sent for.

There was nothing particular in this man; he was tall rather than big, and very slim.
His gait was precise, his gestures were methodical, and his face was as impassive as if it had been cut out of a piece of yellow wood.

He was thirty-four years of age and during fifteen years had acted as clerk to four investigating magistrates in succession.

He could hear the most astonishing things without moving a muscle.

His name was Constant.
He bowed to the magistrate, and excused himself for his tardiness.