He will declare himself the victim of a misunderstanding, and insist upon an immediate interview with the investigating magistrate.

Once that is accorded him, he will explain everything very quickly." The old fellow spoke of matters of speculation in such a tone of assurance that M.Daburon was unable to repress a smile.
"We have not got as far as that yet," said he.
"But we shall, in a few hours," replied M.Tabaret quickly.

"I presume you will order young M.de Commarin's arrest at daybreak." The magistrate trembled, like the patient who sees the surgeon deposit his case of instruments upon the table on entering the room.
The moment for action had come.

He felt now what a distance lies between a mental decision and the physical action required to execute it.
"You are prompt, M.Tabaret," said he; "you recognize no obstacles." "None, having ascertained the criminal.

Who else can have committed this assassination?
Who but he had an interest in silencing Widow Lerouge, in suppressing her testimony, in destroying her papers?
He, and only he.
Poor Noel! who is as dull as honesty, warned him, and he acted.