We may judge of the effect in the courtroom when the public prosecutor made known the fact that this cavern, known only to the accused and to their two witnesses, was the place where the senator had been imprisoned.
Marthe was summoned.

Her appearance caused much excitement among the spectators and keen anxiety to the prisoners.

Monsieur de Grandville rose to protest against the testimony of a wife against her husband.
The public prosecutor replied that Marthe by her own confession was an accomplice in the outrage; that she had neither sworn nor testified, and was to be heard solely in the interests of truth.
"We need only submit her preliminary examination to the jury," remarked the president, who now ordered the clerk of the court to read the said testimony aloud.
"Do you now confirm your own statement ?" said the president, addressing Marthe.
Michu looked at his wife, and Marthe, who saw her fatal error, fainted away and fell to the floor.

It may be truly said that a thunderbolt had fallen upon the prisoners and their counsel.
"I never wrote to my wife from prison, and I know none of the persons employed there," said Michu.
Bordin passed to him the fragments of the letter Marthe had received.
Michu gave but one glance at it.

"My writing has been imitated," he said.
"Denial is your last resource," said the public prosecutor.
The senator was introduced into the courtroom with all the ceremonies due to his position.