M.Daburon had now nothing more to do at La Jonchere; but Gevrol, who still clung to his own opinion of the guilt of the man with the rings in his ears, declared he would remain at Bougival.

He determined to employ the evening in visiting the different wine shops, and finding if possible new witnesses.

At the moment of departure, after the commissary and the entire party had wished M.Daburon good-night, the latter asked M.Tabaret to accompany him.
"I was about to solicit that honour," replied the old fellow.

They set out together; and naturally the crime which had been discovered, and with which they were mutually preoccupied, formed the subject of their conversation.
"Shall we, or shall we not, ascertain the antecedents of this woman!" repeated old Tabaret.

"All depends upon that now!" "We shall ascertain them, if the grocer's wife has told the truth," replied M.Daburon.