I must at once see the public prosecutor, whether he is up or not.

I shall go direct from his house to the Palais de Justice, and be there before eight o'clock; and I desire, M.Tabaret, that you will there await my orders." The old fellow bowed his thanks and was about to leave, when the magistrate's servant appeared.
"Here is a note, sir," said he, "which a gendarme has just brought from Bougival.

He waits an answer." "Very well," replied M.Daburon.

"Ask the man to have some refreshment; at least offer him a glass of wine." He opened the envelope.

"Ah!" he cried, "a letter from Gevrol;" and he read: "'To the investigating magistrate.