The father who has sacrificed his legitimate son for the sake of his bastard is Count Rheteau de Commarin, and the assassin of Widow Lerouge is the bastard, Viscount Albert de Commarin!" M.Tabaret, like an accomplished artist, had uttered these words slowly, and with a deliberate emphasis, confidently expecting to produce a great impression.

His expectation was more than realized.

M.Daburon was struck with stupor.

He remained motionless, his eyes dilated with astonishment.

Mechanically he repeated like a word without meaning which he was trying to impress upon his memory: "Albert de Commarin! Albert de Commarin!" "Yes," insisted old Tabaret, "the noble viscount.