For the last three weeks, this case had been causing enormous sensation. It had set Rouen upside down; it had impassioned Paris; and the opposition5 newspapers, in their violent campaign against the Empire, had just grasped it as a weapon. The forthcoming general elections, which occupied the public mind in preference to all other political events, added keen excitement to the struggle. In the Chamber4 there had been some very stormy sittings; one at which the validity of the powers of two members attached to the Emperor's household, had been bitterly disputed; and another that had given rise to a most determined6 attack on the financial administration of the Prefect of the Seine, coupled with a demand for the election of a Municipal Council.
The Grandmorin case, coming at an appropriate moment, served to keep up the agitation8. The most extraordinary stories were abroad. Every morning, the newspapers were full of assumptions injurious for the Government. On the one hand, the public were given to understand that the victim—a familiar figure at the Tuileries, formerly9 on the bench, Commander of the Legion of Honour, immensely rich—was addicted10 to the most frightful11 debauchery; on the[Pg 96] other, the inquiry12 into the case, having so far proved fruitless, they began to accuse the police and legal authorities, of winking13 at the affair, and joked about the legendary14 assassin who could not be found. If there was a good deal of truth in these attacks, they were all the harder to bear.
M. Denizet was fully15 alive to his heavy responsibility. He, also, became impassioned with the case, and the more so as he was ambitious, and had been burning to have a matter of this importance in his hands, so as to bring into evidence the high qualities of perspicacity16 and energy with which he credited himself.
The son of a large Normandy cattle-breeder, he had studied law at Caen, but had entered the judicial17 department of the Government rather late in life; and, his peasant origin, aggravated19 by his father's bankruptcy20, had made his promotion21 slow. Substitute at Bernay, Dieppe, and Havre, it had taken him ten years to become Imperial Procurator at Pont-Audemer; then, sent to Rouen as substitute, he had been acting22 as examining-magistrate for eighteen months, and was over fifty years of age.
Without any fortune, a prey23 to requirements that could not be satisfied out of his meagre salary, he lived in this ill-remunerated dependence24 of the magistracy, only frankly25 accepted by men of mediocre26 capacity, and where the intelligent are eaten up with envy, whilst on the look-out for an opportunity to sell themselves.
M. Denizet was a man of the most lively intelligence, with a very penetrating27 mind. He was even honest, and fond of his profession, intoxicated28 with his great power which, in his justice-room, made him absolute master of the liberty of others. It was his interests alone that kept his zeal29 within bounds. He had such a burning desire to be decorated and transferred to Paris, that, after having at the commencement of the inquiry, allowed himself to be carried away by his love of truth, he now proceeded with extreme prudence,[Pg 97] perceiving pitfalls30 on all sides, which might swallow up his future.
It must be pointed31 out that M. Denizet had been warned; for, from the outset of his inquiry, a friend had advised him to look in at the Ministry32 of Justice in Paris. He did so, and had a long chat with the secretary, M. Camy-Lamotte, a very important personage, possessing considerable power over the gentlemen comprising this branch of the civil service. It was, moreover, his duty to prepare the list of promotions33, and he was in constant communication with the Tuileries. He was a handsome man, who had started on his career as substitute, like his visitor; but through his connections and his wife, he had been elected deputy, and made grand officer of the Legion of Honour.
The case had come quite naturally into his hands. The Imperial Procurator at Rouen, disturbed at this shady drama wherein a former judge figured as victim, had taken the precaution to communicate with the Minister, who had passed the matter on to the secretary. And here came a coincidence: M. Camy-Lamotte happened to be a schoolfellow of President Grandmorin. Younger by a few years, he had been on such terms of intimacy34 with him that he knew him thoroughly35, even to his vices36. And so, he spoke37 of his friend's tragic38 death with profound affliction, and talked to M. Denizet of nothing but his warm desire to secure the guilty party. But he did not disguise the fact that they were very much annoyed at the Tuileries, about the stir the business had occasioned, which was quite out of proportion to its importance, and he had taken the liberty to recommend great tact40.
In fact, the magistrate had understood that he would do well not to be in a hurry, and to avoid running any risk unless previously41 approved. He had even returned to Rouen with the certainty that the secretary, on his part, had sent out detectives, wishing to inquire into the case himself. They[Pg 98] wanted to learn the truth, so as to be better able to hide it, if necessary.
Nevertheless, time passed, and M. Denizet, notwithstanding his efforts to be patient, became irritated at the jokes of the press. Then the policeman reappeared, sniffing43 the scent44, like a good hound. He was carried away by the necessity of finding the real track, for the glory of being the first to discover it, and reserving his freedom to abandon it if he received orders to do so. And, whilst awaiting a letter, a piece of advice, a simple sign from the Ministry which failed to reach him, he had actively45 resumed his inquiry.
Not one of the two or three arrests that had been made, could be maintained. But, suddenly, the opening of the will of President Grandmorin aroused in M. Denizet a suspicion, which he felt had flashed through his mind at the first—the possible guilt39 of the Roubauds. This will, full of strange legacies46, contained one by which Séverine inherited the house situated47 at the place called La Croix-de-Maufras. From that moment, the motive48 of the crime, sought in vain until then, became evident—the Roubauds, aware of the legacy49, had murdered their benefactor50 to gain possession of the property at once. This idea haunted him the more, as M. Camy-Lamotte had spoken in a peculiar51 way of Madame Roubaud, whom he had known formerly at the home of the President when she was a young girl. Only, how unlikely! how impossible, materially and morally! Since searching in this direction, he had at every step, encountered facts that upset his conception of a classically conducted judicial inquiry. Nothing became clear; the great central light, the original cause which would illuminate52 everything, was wanting.
Another clue existed which M. Denizet had not lost sight of, the one suggested by Roubaud himself—that of the man who might have got into the coup7é, thanks to the crush, at the moment the train was leaving. This was the[Pg 99] famous legendary murderer who could not be found, and in reference to whom the opposition newspapers were making such silly fun. At the outset, every effort had been made to trace this man. At Rouen, where he had entered the train, at Barentin, where he had left it; but the result had lacked precision. Some witnesses even denied that it could have been possible for the reserved coupé to be taken by assault, others gave the most contradictory53 information. And this clue seemed unlikely to lead to anything, when the magistrate, in questioning the signalman, Misard, came involuntarily upon the dramatic adventure of Cabuche and Louisette, the young girl who, victimised by the President, had repaired to the abode54 of her sweetheart to die.
This information burst on him like a thunderbolt, and at once he formulated55 the indictment56 in his head. It was all there—the threats of death made by the quarryman against his victim, the deplorable antecedents of the man, an alibi58, clumsily advanced, impossible to prove. In secrecy59, on the previous night, in a moment of energetic inspiration, he had caused Cabuche to be carried off from the little house he occupied on the border of the wood, a sort of out-of-the-way cavern60, where those who arrested the man, found a pair of blood-stained trousers. And, whilst offering resistance to the conviction gaining on him, whilst determined not to abandon the presumption61 against the Roubauds, he exulted62 at the idea that he alone had been smart enough to discover the veritable assassin. It was in view of making this a certainty that, on this specific day, he had summoned to his chambers several witnesses who had already been heard immediately after the crime.
The quarters of the examining-magistrate were near the Rue63 Jeanne d'Arc, in the old dilapidated building, dabbed64 against the side of the ancient palace of the Dukes of Normandy, now transformed into the Law Courts, which it dishonoured65. This large, sad-looking room on the ground[Pg 100] floor was so dark, that in winter it became necessary to light a lamp at three o'clock in the afternoon. Hung with old, discoloured green paper, its only furniture were two armchairs, four chairs, the writing-table of the magistrate, the small table of the registrar66; and, on the frigid67-looking mantelpiece, two bronze cups, flanking a black marble timepiece. Behind the writing-table was a door leading to a second room, where the magistrate sometimes concealed70 persons whom he wished to have at hand; while the entrance door opened direct on a broad corridor supplied with benches, where witnesses waited.
The Roubauds were there at half-past one, although the subp?nas had only been made returnable for two o'clock. They came from Havre, and had taken time to lunch at a little restaurant in the Grande Rue. Both attired73 in black, he in a frock coat, she in a silk gown, like a lady, maintained the rather wearisome and painful gravity of a couple who had lost a relative. She sat on a bench motionless, without uttering a word, whilst he, remaining on his feet, his hands behind his back, strode slowly to and fro before her. But at each turn their eyes met, and their concealed anxiety then passed like a shadow over their mute countenances75.
Although the Croix-de-Maufras legacy had given them great joy, it had revived their fears; for the family of the President, particularly his daughter, indignant at the number of strange donations which amounted to half the entire fortune, spoke of contesting the will; and Madame de Lachesnaye, influenced by her husband, showed herself particularly harsh for her old friend Séverine, whom she loaded with the gravest suspicions. On the other hand, the idea that there existed a proof, which Roubaud at first had not thought of, haunted him with constant dread76: the letter which he had compelled his wife to write, so as to cause Grandmorin to leave, would be found, unless the latter had destroyed it, and the writing recognised. Fortunately, time passed and nothing happened;[Pg 101] the letter must have been torn up. Nevertheless, every fresh summons to the presence of the examining-magistrate, gave them a cold perspiration77 in their correct attitude of heirs and witnesses.
Two o'clock struck. Jacques in his turn appeared. He came from Paris. Roubaud at once advanced, with his hand extended in a very expansive manner.
"Ah! So they've brought you here as well. What a nuisance this sad business is. It seems to have no end!"
Jacques, perceiving Séverine, still seated, motionless, had stopped short. For the past three weeks, every two days, at each of his journeys to Havre, the assistant station-master had shown him great affability. On one occasion even, he had to accept an invitation to lunch; and seated beside the young woman, he felt himself agitated78 with his old shivers, and quite upset. Could it be possible that he would want to slay79 this one also? His heart throbbed80, his hands burnt at the mere81 sight of the white muslin at her neck, bordering the rounded bodice of her gown. And he determined, henceforth, to keep away from her.
"And what do they say about the case at Paris?" resumed Roubaud. "Nothing new, eh? Look here, they know nothing; they'll never know anything. Come and say how do you do to my wife."
He dragged him forward, so that Jacques approached and bowed to Séverine, who, looking a little confused, smiled with her air of a timid child. He did his best to chat about commonplace matters, with the eyes of the husband and wife fixed82 on him, as if they sought to read even beyond his own thoughts, in the vague reflections to which he hesitated to lend his mind. Why was he so cold? Why did he seem to do his best to avoid them? Was his memory returning? Could it be for the purpose of confronting them with him, that they had been sent for again? They sought to bring over this single witness, whom they feared, to their side, to[Pg 102] attach him to them by such firm bonds of fraternity that he would not have the courage to speak against them.
It was the assistant station-master, tortured by uncertainty83, who brought up the case again.
"So you have no idea as to why they have summoned us? Perhaps there is something new?"
Jacques gave a shrug84 of indifference85.
"A rumour86 was abroad just now at the station, when I arrived, that there had been an arrest," said he.
The Roubauds were astounded87, becoming quite agitated and perplexed88. What! An arrest? No one had breathed a word to them on the subject! An arrest that had been already made, or an arrest about to take place? They bombarded him with questions, but he knew nothing further.
At that moment, a sound of footsteps, in the corridor, attracted the attention of Séverine.
"Here come Berthe and her husband," she murmured.
The Lachesnayes passed very stiffly before the Roubauds. The young woman did not even give her former comrade a look. An usher89 at once showed them into the room of the examining-magistrate.
"Oh! dear me! We must have patience," said Roubaud. "We shall be here for at least two hours. Sit you down."
He had just placed himself on the left of Séverine, and, with a motion of the hand, invited Jacques to take a seat near her, on the other side. The driver remained standing42 a moment longer. Then, as she looked at him in her gentle, timid manner, he sank down on the bench. She appeared very frail90 between the two men. He felt she possessed91 a submissive, tender character, and the slight warmth emanating92 from this woman, slowly torpified him from tip to toe.
In M. Denizet's room the interrogatories were about to commence. The inquiry had already supplied matter for an enormous volume of papers, enclosed in blue wrappers. Every effort had been made to follow the victim from the[Pg 103] time he left Paris. M. Vandorpe, the station-master, had given evidence as to the departure of the 6.30 express. How the coach No. 293 had been added on at the last moment; how he had exchanged a few words with Roubaud, who had got into his compartment93 a little before the arrival of President Grandmorin; finally, how the latter had taken possession of his coupé, where he was certainly alone.
Then, the guard, Henri Dauvergne, questioned as to what had occurred at Rouen during the ten minutes the train waited, was unable to give any positive information. He had seen the Roubauds talking in front of the coupé, and he felt sure they had returned to their compartment, the door of which had been shut by an inspector94; but his recollection was vague, owing to the confusion caused by the crowd, and the obscurity in the station. As to giving an opinion whether a man, the famous murderer who could not be found, would have been able to jump into the coupé as the train started, he thought such a thing very unlikely, whilst admitting it was possible; for, to his own knowledge, something similar had already occurred twice.
Other members of the company's staff at Rouen, on being examined on the same points, instead of throwing light on the matter, only entangled95 it by their contradictory answers. Nevertheless, one thing proved was the shake of the hand given by Roubaud from inside his compartment to the station-master at Barentin, who had got on the step. This station-master, M. Bessière, had formally acknowledged the incident as exact, and had added that his colleague was alone with his wife, who was half lying down, and appeared to be tranquilly96 sleeping.
Moreover, the authorities had gone so far as to search for the passengers who had quitted Paris in the same compartment as the Roubauds. The stout97 lady and gentleman who arrived late, almost at the last minute, middle-class people from Petit-Couronne, had stated that having immediately[Pg 104] dozed98 off to sleep, they were unable to say anything; and, as to the woman in black, who remained silent in her corner, she had melted away like a shadow. It had been absolutely impossible to trace her.
Then, there were other witnesses, the small fry who had served to identify the passengers who left the train that night at Barentin, the theory being that the murderer must have got out there. The tickets had been counted, and they had succeeded in recognising all the travellers except one, and he precisely99 was a great big fellow, with his head wrapped up in a blue handkerchief. Some said he wore a coat, and others a short smock. About this man alone, who had disappeared, vanished like a dream, there existed three hundred and ten documents, forming a confused medley100, in which the evidence of one person was contradicted by that of another.
And the record was further complicated by the written evidence of the legal authorities: the account drawn101 up by the registrar, whom the Imperial Procurator and the examining-magistrate had taken to the scene of the crime, comprising quite a bulky description of the spot, on the metal way, where the victim was lying; the position of the body, the attire72, the things found in the pockets establishing his identity; then, the report of the doctor, also conducted there, a document in which the wound in the throat was described at length in scientific terms; the only wound, a frightful gash102, made with a sharp instrument, probably a knife.
And there were other reports and documents about the removal of the body to the hospital at Rouen, the length of time it had remained there before being delivered to the family. But in this mass of papers appeared but one or two important points. First of all, nothing had been found in the pockets, neither the watch, nor a small pocket-book, which should have contained ten banknotes of a thousand francs each, a sum due to the sister of President Grandmorin, Madame Bonnehon, and which she was expecting.
[Pg 105]
It therefore would have seemed that the motive of the crime was robbery, had not a ring, set with a large brilliant, remained on the finger of the victim. This circumstance gave rise to quite a series of conjectures103. Unfortunately the numbers of the banknotes were missing; but the watch was known. It was a very heavy, keyless watch, with the monogram104 of the President on the back, and the number, 2516, of the manufacturer, inside. Finally, the weapon, the knife the murderer had used, had occasioned diligent105 search along the line, among the bushes in the vicinity, where he might have thrown it; but with no result. The murderer must have concealed the knife in the same place as the watch and banknotes. Nothing had been found but the travelling-rug of the victim, which had been picked up at a hundred yards or so from Barentin station, where it had been abandoned as a dangerous article; and it figured among other objects that might assist to convict the culprit.
When the Lachesnayes entered, M. Denizet, erect106 before his writing-table, was perusing107 the examination of one of the first witnesses, which his registrar had just routed out from among the other papers. He was a short and rather robust108 man, clean-shaven, and already turning grey. His full cheeks, square chin, and big nose, had a sort of pallid109 immobility, which was increased by the heavy eyelids110 half closing his great light eyes. But all the sagacity, all the adroitness111 he believed he possessed, was centred in his mouth—one of those mouths of an actor that express the feelings of the owner off the stage. This mouth was extremely active, and at moments, when he became very sharp, the lips grew thin. It was his sharpness that frequently led him astray. He was too perspicacious112, too cunning with simple, honest truth. According to the ideal he had formed of his position, the man occupying it should be an anatomist in morals, endowed with second sight, extremely witty113; and, indeed, he was by no means a fool.
[Pg 106]
He at once showed himself amiable114 towards Madame de Lachesnaye, for he was still a magistrate full of urbanity, frequenting society in Rouen and its neighbourhood.
"Pray be seated, madam," said he.
And he offered a chair to the young woman, a sickly blonde, disagreeable in manner, and ugly in her mourning. But he was simply polite, and even a trifle arrogant115, in look, towards M. de Lachesnaye, who was also fair, with a delicate skin; for this little man—judge at the Court of Appeal from the age of thirty-six; decorated, thanks to the influence of his father-in-law, and to the services his father, also on the bench, had formerly rendered on the High Commissions, at the time of the Coup d'Etat—represented in his eyes, the judicial functionary116 by favour, by wealth, the man of moderate gifts who had installed himself, certain of making rapid progress through his relatives and fortune; whereas he, poor, deprived of protective influence, found himself ever reduced to make way for others. And so he was not sorry to make this gentleman feel all his power in this room—the absolute power that he possessed over the liberty of everyone, to such a point that, by one word, he could transform a witness into an accused, and immediately have him arrested if it pleased him to do so.
"Madam," he continued, "you will pardon me, if I am again obliged to torture you with this painful business. I know that you wish, as ardently118 as we do, to see the matter cleared up, and the culprit expiate119 his crime."
By a sign he attracted the attention of the registrar, a big, bilious-looking fellow with a bony face, and the examination commenced.
But M. de Lachesnaye—who, seeing he was not asked to sit down, had taken a seat of his own accord—at the first questions addressed to his wife, did his best to put himself in her place. He proceeded to complain bitterly of the will of his father-in-law. Who had ever heard of such[Pg 107] a thing? So many, and such important legacies, that they absorbed almost half the fortune, which amounted to 3,700,000 frcs.—about ￡148,000! And legacies to persons who for the most part they did not know, to women of all classes! Among them figured even a little violet-seller, who sat in a doorway120 in the Rue du Rocher. It was unacceptable, and he was only waiting for the inquiry into the crime to be completed, to see if he could not upset this immoral121 will.
Whilst he complained in this manner, between his set teeth, showing what a stupid he was, an obstinate122 provincial123, up to his neck in avarice124, M. Denizet watched him with his great light eyes half closed, and his artful lips assumed an expression of jealous disdain125 for this nonentity126, who was not satisfied with two millions, and whom, no doubt, he would one day, see in the supreme127 purple of a President, thanks to all this money.
"I think, sir," said he at last, "that you would do wrong. The will could only be attacked if the total amount of the legacies exceeded half the fortune, and such is not the case."
Then, turning to his registrar, he remarked:
"I say, Laurent, you are not writing down all this, I hope."
With the suspicion of a smile, the latter set his mind at ease, like a man who knew his business.
"But, anyhow," resumed M. de Lachesnaye more bitterly, "no one imagines, I suppose, that I am going to leave La Croix-de-Maufras to those Roubauds. A present like that to the daughter of a domestic! And why? for what reason? Besides, if it is proved that they were connected with the crime——"
M. Denizet returned to the murder.
"Do you really think so?" he inquired.
"Well, if they knew what was in the will, their interest in the death of our poor father is manifest. Observe,[Pg 108] moreover, that they were the last to speak to him. All this looks very suspicious."
The magistrate, out of patience, disturbed in his new hypothesis, turned to Berthe.
"And you, madam? Do you think your old comrade capable of such a crime?"
Before answering, she looked at her husband. During their few months of married life, they had communicated to one another their ill-humour and want of feeling, which, moreover, had increased. They were becoming vitiated together. It was he who had set her on to Séverine; and, to such a point, that to get back the house, she would have had her old playmate arrested on the spot.
"Well, sir," she ended by saying, "the person you speak about, displayed very bad tendencies as a child."
"What were they? Do you accuse her of having acted improperly128 at Doinville?"
"Oh! no, sir; my father would not have allowed her to remain."
In this sentence the prudery of the respectable middle-class lady, flared129 up in virtuous130 indignation.
"Only," she continued, "when one notices a disposition131 to be giddy, to be wild—briefly132, many things that I should not have thought possible, appear to me positive at the present time."
M. Denizet again showed signs of impatience133. He was no longer following up this clue, and whoever continued to do so, became his adversary134, and seemed to him to be putting the certainty of his intelligence in doubt.
"But come!" he exclaimed; "one must yield to reason. People like the Roubauds would not kill such a man as your father, in order to inherit sooner; or, at least, there would be indications of them being in a hurry. I should find traces of this eagerness to possess and enjoy, elsewhere. No; the motive is insufficient135. It is necessary to find another,[Pg 109] and there is nothing. You bring nothing yourselves. Then establish the facts. Do you not perceive material impossibilities? No one saw the Roubauds get into the coupé. One of the staff even thinks he can affirm that they returned to their compartment; and, as they were certainly there at Barentin, it would be necessary to admit of a double journey between their carriage and that of the President, who was separated from them by three coaches, during the few minutes it required to cover the distance, and while the train was going at full speed. Does that seem likely? I have questioned drivers and guards. All replied that long habit, alone, could give sufficient coolness and energy. In any case, the woman could not have been there. The husband must have run the risk without her, and to do what? To kill a protector who had just extricated136 him from serious embarrassment137? No; decidedly no! The presumption is inadmissible. We must look elsewhere. Ah! Supposing a man, who got into the train at Rouen, and left it at the next station, had recently uttered threats of death against the victim——"
In his enthusiasm, he was coming to his new theory. He was on the point of saying too much about it, when the door was set ajar to make way for the head of the usher; but, before the latter could utter a word, a gloved hand sent the door wide open, and a fair lady, attired in very elegant mourning, entered the room. She was still handsome at more than fifty years of age, but displayed the opulent and expansive beauty of a goddess grown old.
"It is I, my dear magistrate. I am behind time, and you must excuse me. The roads are very bad; the three leagues from Doinville to Rouen are as good as six to-day."
M. Denizet had risen gallantly139 from his seat.
"I trust your health has been good, madam, since Sunday last?" said he.
"Very good. And you, my dear magistrate, have got[Pg 110] over the fright my coachman gave you? The man told me the carriage got almost upset as he drove you back, before he had gone a couple of miles from the chateau140."
"Oh! merely a jolt141. I had forgotten all about it. But pray be seated, and, as I just now said to Madame de Lachesnaye, pardon me for awakening142 your grief with this frightful business."
"Well, as it has to be done——How do you do, Berthe? How do you do, Lachesnaye?"
It was Madame Bonnehon, the sister of the victim. She had kissed her niece, and pressed the hand of the husband. The widow, since the age of thirty, of a manufacturer who had left her a large fortune, and already wealthy in her own right, having inherited the estate at Doinville in the division of property between herself and her brother, she had led a most pleasant existence, full of flirtations. But she was so correct, and so frank in appearance, that she had remained arbiter143 in Rouennais society.
At times, and by taste, she had flirted144 with members of the bench. She had been receiving the judicial world, at the chateau, for the last five-and-twenty years—all that swarm145 of functionaries146 at the Law Courts whom her carriages brought from Rouen and carried back in one continual round of festivities. At present, she had not calmed down; she was credited with displaying maternal147 tenderness for a young substitute, son of a judge at the Court of Appeal, M. Chaumette. Whilst working for the advancement148 of the son, she showered invitations and acts of kindness on the father. She had, moreover, preserved an admirer of the old days, also a judge, and a bachelor, M. Desbazeilles, the literary glory of the Rouen Court of Appeal, whose cleverly turned sonnets149 were on every tongue. For years he had a room at Doinville. Now, although more than sixty, he still went to dinner there, as an old comrade, whose rheumatism150 only permitted him the recollection of his past gallantry. She[Pg 111] thus maintained her regal state by her good grace, in spite of threatening old age, and no one thought of wresting151 it from her. Not before the previous winter had she felt a rival, a Madame Leboucq, the wife of another judge, whose house began to be much frequented by members of the bench. This circumstance gave a tinge152 of melancholy153 to her habitually154 gay life.
"Then, madam, if you will permit me," resumed M. Denizet, "I'll just ask you a few questions."
The examination of the Lachesnayes was at an end, but he did not send them away. His cold, mournful apartment was taking the aspect of a fashionable drawing-room. The phlegmatic155 registrar again prepared to write.
"One witness spoke of a telegram your brother is supposed to have received, summoning him at once to Doinville. We have found no trace of this wire. Did you happen to write to him, madam?"
Madame Bonnehon, quite at ease, gave her answer as if engaged in a friendly chat.
"I did not write to my brother," said she, "I was expecting him. I knew he would be coming, but no date was fixed. He usually came suddenly, and generally by a night train. As he lodged156 in a pavilion apart, in the park, opening on a deserted157 lane, we never even heard him arrive. He engaged a trap at Barentin, and only put in an appearance the following day, sometimes very late, like a neighbour in residence for a long time, who looked in on a visit. If I expected him on this occasion, it was because he had to bring me a sum of 10,000 frcs., the balance of an account we had together. He certainly had the 10,000 frcs. on him. And that is why I have always been of opinion that whoever killed him, simply did so for the purpose of robbing him."
The magistrate allowed a short silence to follow; then, looking her in the face, he inquired:
[Pg 112]
"What do you think of Madame Roubaud and her husband?"
Madame Bonnehon, making a rapid gesture of protestation, exclaimed:
"Ah! no! my dear Monsieur Denizet, you must not allow yourself to be led astray again, in regard to those worthy158 people. Séverine was a good little girl, very gentle, very docile159 even, and, moreover, delightfully160 pretty, which was no disadvantage. It is my opinion, as you seem anxious for me to repeat what I have already said, that she and her husband are incapable161 of a bad action."
He nodded in approbation162. He triumphed. And he cast a glance towards Madame de Lachesnaye. The latter, piqued163, took upon herself to intervene.
"I think you are very easy for them, aunt!" she exclaimed.
"Let be, Berthe," answered the latter; "we shall never agree on this subject. She was gay, fond of mirth; and quite right too. I am well aware of what you and your husband think. But really, the question of interest must have turned your heads, for you to be so astounded at this legacy of La Croix-de-Maufras from your father to poor Séverine. He brought her up, he gave her a marriage portion, and it was only natural he should mention her in his will. Did he not look upon her as his own daughter? Come! Ah! my dear, money counts for very little in the matter of happiness!"
She, indeed, having always been very rich, was absolutely disinterested164. Moreover, with the refinement165 of a beautiful woman who was very much admired, she affected166 to think beauty and love the only things worth living for.
"It was Roubaud who spoke of the telegram," remarked M. de Lachesnaye drily. "If there was no telegram, the President could not have told him he had received one. Why did Roubaud lie?"
"But," exclaimed M. Denizet with feeling, "the President may have invented this story of the telegram, himself, to[Pg 113] explain his sudden departure to the Roubauds! According to their own evidence, he was only to leave the next day; and, as he was in the same train as they were, he had to give some explanation, if he did not wish to tell them the real reason, which we all ignore, for that matter. This is without importance; it leads to naught167."
Another silence ensued. When the magistrate continued, he displayed much calm and precaution.
"I am now, madam," said he, "about to approach a particularly delicate matter, and I must beg you to excuse the nature of my questions. No one respects the memory of your brother more than myself. There were certain reports, were there not? It was pretended he had irregular connections."
Madame Bonnehon was smiling again with boundless168 toleration.
"Oh! my dear sir, consider his age! My brother became a widower169 early. I never considered I had the right to interfere170 with what he thought fit to do. He therefore lived as he chose, without my meddling171 with his existence in any way. What I do know is that he maintained his rank, and that to the end, he mixed in the best society."
Berthe, choking at the idea that they should talk of her father's left-handed connections in her presence, had cast down her eyes; whilst her husband, as uneasy as herself, had moved to the window, turning his back on the company.
"Excuse me if I persist," said M. Denizet; "but was there not some story about a young housemaid you had in your service?"
"Oh! yes, Louisette. But, my dear sir, she was a depraved little creature who, at fourteen, was on terms of intimacy with an ex-convict. An attempt was made to cause a set out against my brother, in connection with her death. It was infamous172. I'll tell you the whole story."
[Pg 114]
No doubt she spoke in good faith. Although she knew all about the President's habits, and had not been surprised at his tragic death, she felt the necessity of defending the high position of the family. Moreover, in regard to this unfortunate business about Louisette, if she thought him quite capable of having made advances to the young girl, she was also convinced of her precocious173 depravity.
"Picture to yourself a tiny thing, oh! so small, so delicate, blonde and rosy174 as a little angel, and gentle as well—the gentleness of a saint, to whom one would have given the sacrament without confession175. Well, before she was fourteen, she became the sweetheart of a sort of brute176, a quarryman, named Cabuche, who had just done five years' imprisonment177 for killing178 a man in a wine-shop. This fellow lived like a savage179 on the fringe of Bécourt forest, where his father, who had died of grief, had left him a hut made of trunks of trees and earth. There he obstinately180 worked a part of the abandoned quarries181, that formerly, I believe, supplied half the stone with which Rouen is built. And it was in this lair182 that the girl went to join her ruffian, of whom everyone in the district were so afraid that he lived absolutely alone, like a leper. Frequently they were met together, roving through the woods, holding one another by the hand; she so dainty, he huge and bestial—briefly, a depravity one would hardly have believed possible. Naturally, I only heard of all this later. I had taken Louisette into my service almost out of charity, to do a good action. Her family, those Misards, whom I knew to be poor, were very careful to conceal69 from me that they had soundly flogged the child, without being able to prevent her running off to her Cabuche, as soon as a door stood open.
"My brother had no servants of his own at Doinville. Louisette and another woman did the housework in the detached pavilion which he occupied. One morning, when she had gone there alone, she disappeared. To my mind,[Pg 115] she had premeditated her flight long before. Perhaps her lover awaited her, and carried her off. But the horrifying183 part of the business was that five days later, came the report of the death of Louisette, along with details of a rape184, attempted by my brother, under such monstrous185 circumstances that the child, out of her mind, had gone to Cabuche, where she had died of brain fever. What had happened? So many different versions were put about that it is difficult to say. For my part, I believe that Louisette, who really died of pernicious fever, for this was established by a doctor, had been guilty of some imprudence, such as sleeping out in the open air, or wandering like a vagabond among the marshes186. You, my dear sir, you cannot, yourself, conceive my brother torturing this mite187 of a girl. It is odious188, impossible."
M. Denizet had listened to this version of the business without either approving or disapproving189. And Madame Bonnehon experienced some slight embarrassment in coming to an end. But, making up her mind, she added:
"Of course, I do not mean to say that my brother did not joke with her. He liked young people. He was very gay, notwithstanding his rigid68 exterior190. Briefly, let us say he kissed her."
At this word, the Lachesnayes protested in virtuous indignation.
"Oh! aunt, aunt!"
But she shrugged191 her shoulders. Why should she tell the magistrate falsehoods?
"He kissed her, tickled192 her, perhaps. There is no crime in that. And what makes me admit this, is that the invention does not come from the quarryman. Louisette must be the falsehood-teller, the vicious creature who exaggerated things, in order to get her lover to keep her with him, perhaps. So that the latter, a brute, as I have told you, ended in good faith by imagining that we had killed his sweetheart. In[Pg 116] fact he was mad with rage, and repeated in all the drinking-places that if the President fell into his hands, he would bleed him like a pig."
The magistrate, who had been silent up to then, interrupted her sharply.
"He said that? Are there any witnesses to prove it?"
"Oh! my dear sir, you will be able to find as many as you please. In conclusion, it was a very sad business, and caused us a great deal of annoyance193. Fortunately, the position of my brother placed him beyond suspicion."
Madame Bonnehon had just discovered the new clue that M. Denizet was following, and this made her rather anxious. She preferred not to venture further, by questioning him in her turn. He had risen, and said he would not take any further advantage of the civility of the family in their painful position. By his orders, the registrar read over the examinations of the witnesses, before they signed them. They were perfectly194 correct, so thoroughly purged195 of all unnecessary and entangling196 words that Madame Bonnehon, with her pen in her hand, cast a glance of benevolent197 surprise at this pallid, bony Laurent, whom she had not yet looked at.
Then, as the magistrate accompanied her, along with her niece and nephew-in-law, to the door, she pressed his hands with the remark:
"I shall soon see you again, I hope. You know you are always welcome at Doinville. And, thanks for coming; you are one of my last faithful ones."
Her smile became quite melancholy. But her niece, who had walked out stiffly the first, had only made a slight inclination198 of her head to the magistrate.
When they were gone M. Denizet breathed for a moment. He remained on his feet, thinking. To his mind the matter was becoming clear. Grandmorin, whose reputation was well known, had certainly acted improperly. This made the inquiry a delicate matter. He determined to be more[Pg 117] prudent199 than ever, until the communication he was expecting from the Ministry reached him. But none the less, he triumphed; anyhow he held the culprit.
When he had resumed his seat at the writing-table, he rang up the usher.
"Bring me the driver Jacques Lantier," said he.
The Roubauds were still waiting on the bench in the corridor, with fixed countenances, as if their protracted200 patience had set them dozing201; but their faces were occasionally disturbed by a nervous twitch202, and the voice of the usher, calling Jacques, seemed to make them slightly shudder203, as they roused themselves. They followed the driver with expanded eyes, watching him disappear in the room of the magistrate. Then they fell into their former attitude—paler, and silent.
For the last three weeks, Jacques had been pursued by the uncomfortable feeling that all this business might end by turning against him. This was unreasonable204, for there was naught he could reproach himself with, not even with keeping silent. And yet he entered the room of the examining-magistrate with that little creeping sensation of a guilty person, who fears his crime may be discovered, and he defended himself against the questions that were put to him; he was cautious in his answers, lest he might say too much. He, also, might have killed; was this not visible in his eyes? Nothing was so repugnant to him as these summonses to the justice-room. He experienced a sort of anger at receiving them, saying he was anxious to be no longer tormented205 by matters that did not concern him.
But, on this occasion, M. Denizet only dwelt upon the subject of the description of the murderer. Jacques, being the single witness who had caught sight of him, could alone supply precise information. But he did not depart from what he had said at his first examination. He repeated that the scene of the murder had been a vision which had barely[Pg 118] lasted a second, a picture that came and went so rapidly that it had remained as if without form, in the abstract, in his recollection. It was merely one man slaughtering206 another, and nothing more. For half an hour, the judge pestered207 him with patient persistence208, questioning him in every imaginable sense. Was he a big or a small man? Had he a beard? Did he wear his hair long or short? What were his clothes like? To what class of people did he appear to belong? And Jacques, who was uneasy, only gave vague replies.
"Look here," abruptly209 inquired M. Denizet, staring him full in the eyes, "if he were shown to you, would you recognise him?"
He blinked slightly, seized with anguish210 under the influence of that piercing gaze, searching in his very brain. His conscience spoke aloud:
"Know him? Yes, perhaps."
But, immediately, his strange fear of unconscious complicity plunged211 him into his evasive system again, and he continued:
"But no; I don't think so. I should never dare say positively212. Just reflect! A speed of sixty miles an hour!"
With a gesture of discouragement, the magistrate was about to send him into the adjoining room to keep him at his disposal, when, changing his mind, he said:
"Remain here. Sit down."
And, ringing for the usher, he told him to introduce M. and Madame Roubaud.
As soon as they were at the doorway and saw Jacques, their eyes lost their brilliancy in a feeling of vacillating anxiety. Had he spoken? Was he detained so as to be confronted with them? All their self-assurance vanished at the knowledge that he was there, and it was in a rather low voice that they began to give their answers. But the magistrate had simply turned to their first examination. They merely had to repeat[Pg 119] the same sentences, almost identical, whilst M. Denizet listened with bowed head, without even looking at them. All at once, he turned to Séverine.
"Madam," said he, "you told the commissary of police at the railway station, whose report I have here, that you had the idea, that a man got into the coupé at Rouen, as the train began to move."
She was thunderstruck. Why did he recall that? Was it a snare213? Was he about to compare one answer with another, and so make her contradict herself? And, with a glance, she consulted her husband who prudently214 intervened.
"I do not think my wife was quite so positive, sir," he remarked.
"Excuse me," replied the magistrate, "you suggested the thing was possible, and madam said, 'That is certainly what happened.' Now, madam, I want to know whether you had any particular reasons for speaking as you did?"
She was now completely upset, convinced that if she did not take care, he would, from one answer to another, bring her to a confession. Howbeit, she could not remain silent.
"Oh! no, sir!" she exclaimed; "no reason. I merely said that by way of argument, because, in fact, it is difficult to explain the matter in any other way."
"Then you did not see the man. You can tell us nothing about him?"
"No, no, sir, nothing!"
M. Denizet seemed to abandon this point in the inquiry. But he at once returned to it with Roubaud.
"And you? How is it that you did not see the man, if he really got into the coupé, for, according to your own deposition215, you were talking to the victim when they whistled to send the train off?"
This persistence had the effect of terrifying the assistant station-master, in his anxiety to decide what course he ought to take—whether he should set aside his invention about the[Pg 120] other man, or obstinately cling to it. If they had proofs against himself, the theory concerning the unknown murderer could hardly be maintained, and might even aggravate18 his own case. He gained time, until he could understand what was going on, answering in detail with confused explanations.
"It is really unfortunate," resumed M. Denizet, "that your recollection is not more distinct, for you might help us to put an end to suspicions that have spread to several persons."
This seemed such a direct thrust at Roubaud that he felt an irresistible216 desire to establish his own innocence217. Imagining himself discovered, he immediately made up his mind.
"This point is so thoroughly a matter of conscience," said he, "that one hesitates, you understand; nothing is more natural. Supposing I were to confess to you that I really believe I saw the man——"
The magistrate gave a gesture of triumph, thinking this commencement of frankness due to his own ability. He had frequently remarked that he knew, by experience, what strange difficulty some witnesses found in divulging218 what they knew, and he flattered himself he could make this class of people unburden themselves, in spite of all.
"Go on. How was he? Short, tall, about your own height?"
"Oh! no, no, much taller. At least, that was my sensation, for it was a simple sensation, an individual I am almost sure I brushed against, as I ran back to my own carriage."
"Wait a moment," said M. Denizet.
And, turning to Jacques, he inquired:
"The man you caught sight of, with the knife in his hand, was he taller than Monsieur Roubaud?"
The driver, who was impatient, for he began to be afraid he would not catch the five o'clock train, raised his eyes and examined Roubaud. And, it seemed to him, that he had never looked at him before. He was astonished[Pg 121] to find him short, powerful, with a peculiar profile he had seen elsewhere, perhaps in a dream.
"No," he murmured, "not taller; about the same height."
But the assistant station master vehemently219 protested.
"Oh! much taller! At least a head."
Jacques fixed his eyes, wide open, upon him. And under the influence of this look, wherein he read increasing surprise, Roubaud became agitated, as if to change his own appearance; while his wife also followed the dull effort of memory expressed by the face of the young man. Clearly the latter was astonished. First of all, at certain analogies between Roubaud and the murderer. Then he abruptly became positive that Roubaud was the assassin, as had been reported. He now seemed troubled at this discovery, and stood there with gaping220 countenance74, unable to decide what to do. If he spoke, the couple were lost. The eyes of Roubaud had met his. They penetrated221 one another to their innermost thoughts. There came a silence.
"Then you do not agree?" resumed M. Denizet, addressing Jacques. "If, in your sight, he appeared shorter, it was no doubt because he was bent222 in the struggle with his victim."
He also looked at the two men. It had not occurred to him to make use of this confrontation223; but, by professional instinct, he felt, at this moment, that truth was flitting away. His confidence was even shaken in the Cabuche clue. Could it be possible that the Lachesnayes were right? Could it be possible that the guilty parties, contrary to all appearance, were this upright employé, and his gentle young wife?
"Did the man wear all his beard, like you?" he inquired of Roubaud.
The latter had the strength to answer in a steady voice:
"All his beard? No, no! I think he had no beard at all."
Jacques understood that the same question was about to be put to him. What should he say? He could have sworn the man had a full beard. After all, he was not interested[Pg 122] in these people, why not tell the truth? But as he took his eyes off the husband, he met those of the wife, and in her look he read such ardent117 supplication224, such an absolute gift of all her being, that he felt quite overcome. His old shiver came on him. Did he love her? Was she the one he could love, as one loves for love's sake, without a monstrous desire for destruction? And, at this moment, by singular counter-action in his trouble, it seemed to him that his memory had become obscured. He no longer saw the murderer in Roubaud. The vision was again vague; he doubted, and to such an extent that he mortally regretted having spoken.
M. Denizet put the question:
"Had the man a full beard like Monsieur Roubaud?"
And he replied in good faith:
"Sir, in truth, I cannot say. Once more, it was too rapid: I know nothing. I will affirm nothing."
But M. Denizet proved tenacious225, for he wished to clear up the suspicion cast on the assistant station-master. He plied71 both Roubaud and the driver with questions, and ended by getting a complete description of the murderer from the former: tall, robust, no beard, attired in a blouse—quite the reverse of his own appearance in every particular. But the driver only answered in evasive monosyllables, which imparted strength to the statements of the other. And the magistrate returned to the conviction he had formed at first. He was on the right track. The portrait the witness drew of the assassin was so exact that each new feature added to the certainty. It was the crushing testimony226 of this unjustly suspected couple, that would lay the head of the culprit low.
"Step in there," said he to the Roubauds and Jacques, showing them into the adjoining room, when they had signed their examinations. "Wait till I call you."
He immediately gave orders for the prisoner to be brought in, and he was so delighted, that he went to the length of remarking to his registrar:
[Pg 123]
"Laurent, we've got him."
But the door had opened, two gendarmes227 had appeared bringing in a great, big fellow between twenty-five and thirty. At a sign from the magistrate, they withdrew, and Cabuche, bewildered, remained alone in the centre of the apartment, bristling228 like a wild beast at bay. He was a sturdy, thick-necked fellow, with enormous fists, and fair, with a very white skin. He had hardly any hair on his face, barely a golden down, curly and silken. The massive features, the low forehead, indicated the violent character of a being of limited brains, but a sort of desire to be tenderly submissive was shown in the broad mouth and square nose, as in those of a good dog.
Seized brutally229 in his den1 in the early morning, torn from his forest, exasperated230 at accusations231 which he did not understand, he had already, with his wild look and rent blouse, all the suspicious air of a prisoner in the dock—that air of a cunning bandit which the jail gives to the most honest man. Night was drawing in, the room was dark, and he had slunk into the shadow, when the usher brought a big lamp, having a globe without a shade, whose bright light lit up his countenance. Then he remained uncovered, and motionless.
M. Denizet at once fixed his great, heavy-lidded eyes on him. And he did not speak. This was the dumb engagement, the preliminary trial of his power, before entering on the warfare232 of the savage, the warfare of stratagem233, of snares234, of moral torture. This man was the culprit, everything became lawful235 against him. He had now no other right than that of confessing his crime.
The cross-examination commenced very slowly.
"Do you know of what crime you are accused?"
Cabuche, in a voice thick with impotent anger, grumbled236:
"No one has told me, but I can easily guess. There has been enough talk about it!"
[Pg 124]
"You knew Monsieur Grandmorin?"
"Yes, yes; I knew him, only too well!"
"A girl named Louisette, your sweetheart, went as housemaid to Madame Bonnehon?"
The quarryman flew into a frightful rage. In his anger, he was ready to shed blood.
"Those who say that," he exclaimed with an oath, "are liars237! Louisette was not my sweetheart."
The magistrate watched him lose his temper with curiosity. And giving a turn to the examination, remarked:
"You are very violent. You were sentenced to five years' imprisonment for killing a man in a quarrel?"
Cabuche hung his head. That sentence was his shame. He murmured:
"He struck first. I only did four years; they let me off one."
"So," resumed M. Denizet, "you pretend that the girl Louisette was not your sweetheart?"
Again Cabuche clenched238 his fists. Then in a low, broken voice, he replied:
"You must know that when I came back from there, she was a child, under fourteen. At that time everyone fled from me. They would have stoned me; and she, in the forest, where I was always meeting her, approached me, and talked; she was so nice—oh! so nice! It was like that we became friends; we walked about holding each other by the hand. It was so pleasant—so pleasant in those days. Of course she was growing, and I thought of her. I can't say the contrary. I was like a madman I loved her so. She was very fond of me, too, and in the end what you mean would have happened, but they separated her from me by placing her at Doinville with this lady. Then, one night, on coming from the quarry57, I found her before my door, half out of her mind, so dreadfully upset that she was burning with fever. She had not dared return to her parents; she[Pg 125] had come to die at my place. Ah! the pig! I ought to have run and bled him at once!"
The magistrate pinched his artful lips, astonished at the sincere tone of the man. Decidedly he would have to play a close game, he had to deal with a stronger hand than he had thought.
"Yes," said he, "I know all about the frightful story that you and this girl invented. Only, observe that the whole life of Monsieur Grandmorin places him above your accusations."
Agitated, his eyes round with astonishment239, his hands trembling, the quarryman stammered240:
"What? What did we invent? It's the others who lie, and we are accused of doing so!"
"Indeed!" observed the examining-magistrate. "Do not try to act the innocent. I have already questioned Misard, the man who married the mother of your sweetheart. I will confront him with you if it be necessary; you will see what he thinks of your tale, and be careful of your answers. We have witnesses, we know all. You had much better tell the truth."
These were his usual tactics of intimidation241, even when he knew nothing, and had no witnesses.
"Now, do you deny having shouted out in public, everywhere, that you would bleed Monsieur Grandmorin?" inquired M. Denizet.
"Ah! as to that, yes, I did say it. And I said it from the bottom of my heart; for my hand was jolly well itching242 to do it!" answered Cabuche.
M. Denizet stopped short in surprise, having expected to meet with a system of complete denial. What! the accused owned up to the threats? What stratagem did that conceal? Fearing he might have been too hasty, he collected himself a moment, then, staring Cabuche full in the face, he abruptly put this question to him:
[Pg 126]
"What were you doing on the night of the 14th to the 15th of February?"
"I went to bed at dark, about six o'clock," replied the quarryman. "I was rather unwell, and my cousin Louis did me the service to take a load of stones to Doinville."
"Yes, your cousin was seen, with the cart, passing over the line at the level crossing," remarked the magistrate; "but on being questioned, he could only make one reply, namely, that you left him about noon, and he did not see you again. Prove to me that you were in bed at six o'clock."
"Look here, that's stupid," protested Cabuche. "I cannot prove that. I live all alone in a house at the edge of the forest. I was there, I say so, and nothing more."
Then M. Denizet decided138 on playing his trump243 card of assertion, which was calculated to impose on the party. His face, by a tension of will, became rigid, whilst his mouth performed the scene.
"I am going to tell you what you did on the night of February 14th," said he. "At three o'clock in the afternoon, you took the train for Rouen, at Barentin, with what object the inquiry has not revealed. You had the intention of returning by the Paris train, which stops at Rouen at 9.3; and while on the platform, amid the crowd, you caught sight of Monsieur Grandmorin in his coupé. Observe that I am willing to admit there was no laying in wait for the victim, that the idea of the crime only occurred to you when you saw him. You entered the coupé, thanks to the crush, and waited until you were in the Malaunay tunnel. But you miscalculated the time, for the train was issuing from the tunnel when you dealt the blow. And you threw out the corpse244, and you left the train at Barentin, after having got rid of the travelling-rug as well. That is what you did."
He watched for the slightest ripple245 on the rosy face of Cabuche, and was irritated when the latter, who had been very attentive246 at first, ended by bursting into a hearty247 laugh.
[Pg 127]
"What's that you're relating?" he exclaimed. "If I'd struck the blow I'd say so."
Then he quietly added:
"I did not do it, but I ought to have done it. Yes, I'm sorry I didn't."
And that was all M. Denizet could get out of him. In vain did he repeat his questions, returning ten times to the same points by different tactics. No; always no! it was not he. He shrugged his shoulders, saying the idea was stupid. On arresting him they had searched the hovel, without discovering either weapon, banknotes, or watch. But they had laid hands on a pair of trousers, soiled with a few drops of blood—an overwhelming proof.
Again he began to laugh. That was another pretty yarn248! A rabbit, caught in a noose249, had bled down his leg! And it was the magistrate who, in his unswerving conviction of the guilt of the prisoner, was losing ground by the display of too much professional astuteness250, by complicating251 matters, by deposing252 simple truth. This man of small brains, incapable of holding his own in an effort of cunning, of invincible253 strength when he said no, always no, almost drove him crazy; for he was positive of the culpability254 of the man, and each fresh denial made him the more indignant at what he looked upon as obstinate perseverance255 in savagery256 and lies. He would force him into contradicting himself.
"So you deny it?" he said.
"Of course I do, because it was not me," said Cabuche. "Had it been, ah! I should be only too proud, I should say it was me."
M. Denizet abruptly rose, and opened the door of the small adjoining room. When he had summoned Jacques, he inquired:
"Do you recognise this man?"
"I know him," answered the driver, surprised. "I've seen him formerly at the Misards."
[Pg 128]
"No, no," said the magistrate. "Do you recognise him as the man in the coupé, the murderer?"
At once, Jacques became circumspect257. As a matter of fact, he did not recognise the man. The other seemed to him shorter, darker. He was about to say so, when it struck him that even this might be going too far. And he continued evasively.
"I don't know, I can't say; I assure you, sir, that I cannot say."
M. Denizet, without waiting, called the Roubauds in their turn, and put the same question to them.
"Do you recognise this man?"
Cabuche continued smiling. He was not surprised. He nodded to Séverine, whom he had known as a young girl when she resided at La Croix-de-Maufras. But she and her husband had felt a pang258, on perceiving him there. They understood. This was the man taken into custody259, of whom Jacques had spoken, the prisoner who had caused this fresh examination. And Roubaud was astounded, terrified at the resemblance of this fellow to the imaginary murderer, whose description he had invented, the reverse of his own. It was pure chance, but it so troubled him that he hesitated to reply.
"Come, do you recognise him?" repeated the magistrate.
"Sir," answered Roubaud, "I can only say again that it was a simple sensation, an individual who brushed against me. Of course this man is tall, like the other, and he is fair, and has no beard."
"Anyhow, do you recognise him?" asked M. Denizet again.
"I cannot say positively. But there is a resemblance, a good deal of resemblance, certainly."
This time Cabuche began to swear. He had had enough of these yarns260. As he was not the culprit, he wanted to be off. And the blood flying to his head, he struck the table with his fists. He became so terrible that the gendarmes,[Pg 129] who were called in, led him away. But in presence of this violence, of this leap of the beast who dashes forward when attacked, M. Denizet triumphed. His conviction was now firmly established, and he allowed this to be seen.
"Did you notice his eyes?" he inquired. "It's by the eyes that I tell them. Ah! his measure is full. We've got him!"
The Roubauds, remaining motionless, exchanged glances. What now? It was all over. As justice had the culprit in its grip, they were saved. They felt a trifle bewildered, their consciences were pricked261 at the part events had just compelled them to play. But overwhelmed with joy, they made short work of their scruples262, and they smiled at Jacques. Considerably263 relieved, eager for the open air, they were waiting for the magistrate to dismiss all three of them, when the usher brought him a letter.
In a moment M. Denizet, oblivious264 of the three witnesses, was at his writing-table, perusing the communication. It was the letter from the Ministry containing the indications he should have had the patience to await before resuming the inquiry. What he read must have lessened265 his feeling of triumph, for his countenance, little by little, became frigid, and resumed its sad immobility. At a certain moment he raised his head, to cast a glance sideways at the Roubauds, as if one of the phrases reminded him of them. The latter, bereft266 of their brief joy, once more became a prey to uneasiness, feeling themselves caught again.
Why had he looked at them? Had the three lines of writing—that clumsy note which haunted them—been found in Paris? Séverine was well acquainted with M. Camy-Lamotte, having frequently seen him at the house of the President, and she was aware that he had been entrusted267 with the duty of sorting his papers. Roubaud was tortured by the keenest regret that the idea had not occurred to him to dispatch his wife to Paris, where she might have paid useful[Pg 130] visits, and at the least made sure of the support of the secretary to the Ministry, in case the company, annoyed at the nasty rumours268 in circulation, should think of dismissing him. Thenceforth, neither of them took their eyes off the magistrate, and their anxiety increased as they noticed him become gloomy, visibly disconcerted at this letter which upset all his good day's work.
At last, M. Denizet left the letter, and for a moment remained absorbed, his eyes wide open, resting on the Roubauds and Jacques. Then, submitting to the inevitable269, speaking aloud to himself, he exclaimed:
"Well, we shall see! We shall have to return to all this! You can withdraw."
But as the three were going out, he could not resist the desire to learn more, to throw light on the grave point which destroyed his new theory, although he was recommended to do nothing further, without previously coming to an understanding with the authorities.
"No; you remain here a minute," said he, addressing the driver. "I've another question to put to you."
The Roubauds stopped in the corridor. They were free, and yet they could not go. Something detained them there: the anguish to learn what was passing in the magistrate's room, the physical impossibility to depart before ascertaining270 from Jacques, what the other question was that had been put to him. They turned and turned, they beat time with their worn out legs; and they found themselves again side by side, on the bench where they had already waited for hours. There they sat, downcast and silent.
When the driver reappeared, Roubaud rose with effort.
"We were waiting for you," said he. "We'll go to the station together. Well?"
But Jacques turned his head aside, in embarrassment, as if wishing to avoid the eyes of Séverine which were fixed on him.
"He's all at sea, floundering about," he ended by saying.[Pg 131] "Look here, he is now asking me whether there were not two who did the deed. And, as at Havre, I spoke of a black mass weighing on the old chap's legs. He questioned me on the point; he seems to fancy it was only the rug. Then he sent for it, and I had to express an opinion. Well, now, yes, when I come to think, perhaps it was the rug."
The Roubauds shuddered271. They were on their track; one word from this man might ruin them. He certainly knew, and he would end by talking. And all three, the woman between the two men, left the Law Courts in silence. In the street the assistant station-master observed: "By the way, comrade, my wife will be obliged to go to Paris, for a day, on business. It would be very good of you, if you would look after her, should she be in need of someone."
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1
den
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| n.兽穴；秘密地方；安静的小房间，私室 | |
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2
magistrate
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| n.地方行政官，地方法官，治安官 | |
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3
chambers
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| n.房间( chamber的名词复数 )；（议会的）议院；卧室；会议厅 | |
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4
chamber
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| n.房间，寝室；会议厅；议院；会所 | |
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5
opposition
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| n.反对，敌对 | |
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6
determined
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| adj.坚定的；有决心的 | |
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coup
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| n.政变；突然而成功的行动 | |
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agitation
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| n.搅动；搅拌；鼓动，煽动 | |
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9
formerly
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| adv.从前，以前 | |
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10
addicted
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| adj.沉溺于....的，对...上瘾的 | |
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11
frightful
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| adj.可怕的；讨厌的 | |
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12
inquiry
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| n.打听，询问，调查，查问 | |
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13
winking
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| n.瞬眼，目语v.使眼色( wink的现在分词 )；递眼色（表示友好或高兴等）；（指光）闪烁；闪亮 | |
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14
legendary
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| adj.传奇（中）的，闻名遐迩的；n.传奇（文学） | |
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15
fully
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| adv.完全地，全部地，彻底地；充分地 | |
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16
perspicacity
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| n. 敏锐, 聪明, 洞察力 | |
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17
judicial
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| adj.司法的，法庭的，审判的，明断的，公正的 | |
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18
aggravate
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| vt.加重(剧)，使恶化；激怒，使恼火 | |
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19
aggravated
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| 使恶化( aggravate的过去式和过去分词 )； 使更严重； 激怒； 使恼火 | |
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20
bankruptcy
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| n.破产；无偿付能力 | |
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21
promotion
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| n.提升，晋级；促销，宣传 | |
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22
acting
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| n.演戏，行为，假装；adj.代理的，临时的，演出用的 | |
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23
prey
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| n.被掠食者，牺牲者，掠食；v.捕食，掠夺，折磨 | |
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24
dependence
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| n.依靠，依赖；信任，信赖；隶属 | |
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25
frankly
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| adv.坦白地，直率地；坦率地说 | |
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26
mediocre
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| adj.平常的，普通的 | |
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27
penetrating
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| adj.（声音）响亮的，尖锐的adj.（气味）刺激的adj.（思想）敏锐的，有洞察力的 | |
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28
intoxicated
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| 喝醉的，极其兴奋的 | |
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29
zeal
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| n.热心，热情，热忱 | |
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30
pitfalls
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| （捕猎野兽用的）陷阱( pitfall的名词复数 )； 意想不到的困难，易犯的错误 | |
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31
pointed
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| adj.尖的，直截了当的 | |
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32
ministry
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| n.(政府的)部；牧师 | |
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promotions
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| 促进( promotion的名词复数 )； 提升； 推广； 宣传 | |
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34
intimacy
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| n.熟悉，亲密，密切关系，亲昵的言行 | |
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35
thoroughly
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| adv.完全地，彻底地，十足地 | |
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36
vices
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| 缺陷( vice的名词复数 )； 恶习； 不道德行为； 台钳 | |
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37
spoke
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| n.（车轮的）辐条；轮辐；破坏某人的计划；阻挠某人的行动 v.讲，谈（speak的过去式）；说；演说；从某种观点来说 | |
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38
tragic
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| adj.悲剧的，悲剧性的，悲惨的 | |
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39
guilt
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| n.犯罪；内疚；过失，罪责 | |
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40
tact
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| n.机敏，圆滑，得体 | |
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41
previously
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| adv.以前，先前（地） | |
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42
standing
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| n.持续，地位；adj.永久的，不动的，直立的，不流动的 | |
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43
sniffing
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| n.探查法v.以鼻吸气，嗅，闻( sniff的现在分词 )；抽鼻子（尤指哭泣、患感冒等时出声地用鼻子吸气）；抱怨，不以为然地说 | |
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44
scent
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| n.气味，香味，香水，线索，嗅觉；v.嗅，发觉 | |
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45
actively
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| adv.积极地，勤奋地 | |
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46
legacies
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| n.遗产( legacy的名词复数 )；遗留之物；遗留问题；后遗症 | |
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47
situated
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| adj.坐落在...的，处于某种境地的 | |
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48
motive
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| n.动机，目的；adv.发动的，运动的 | |
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49
legacy
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| n.遗产，遗赠；先人(或过去)留下的东西 | |
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50
benefactor
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| n. 恩人，行善的人，捐助人 | |
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51
peculiar
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| adj.古怪的，异常的；特殊的，特有的 | |
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52
illuminate
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| vt.照亮，照明；用灯光装饰；说明，阐释 | |
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53
contradictory
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| adj.反驳的，反对的，抗辩的；n.正反对，矛盾对立 | |
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54
abode
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| n.住处，住所 | |
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55
formulated
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| v.构想出( formulate的过去式和过去分词 )；规划；确切地阐述；用公式表示 | |
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56
indictment
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| n.起诉；诉状 | |
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57
quarry
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| n.采石场；v.采石；费力地找 | |
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58
alibi
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| n.某人当时不在犯罪现场的申辩或证明；借口 | |
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59
secrecy
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| n.秘密，保密，隐蔽 | |
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60
cavern
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| n.洞穴，大山洞 | |
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61
presumption
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| n.推测，可能性，冒昧，放肆，[法律]推定 | |
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62
exulted
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| 狂喜，欢跃( exult的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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63
rue
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| n.懊悔，芸香，后悔；v.后悔，悲伤，懊悔 | |
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64
dabbed
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| （用某物）轻触( dab的过去式和过去分词 )； 轻而快地擦掉（或抹掉）； 快速擦拭； （用某物）轻而快地涂上（或点上）… | |
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65
dishonoured
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| a.不光彩的，不名誉的 | |
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66
registrar
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| n.记录员，登记员；(大学的)注册主任 | |
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67
frigid
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| adj.寒冷的，凛冽的；冷淡的；拘禁的 | |
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68
rigid
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| adj.严格的，死板的；刚硬的，僵硬的 | |
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69
conceal
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| v.隐藏，隐瞒，隐蔽 | |
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70
concealed
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| a.隐藏的，隐蔽的 | |
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71
plied
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| v.使用（工具）( ply的过去式和过去分词 )；经常供应（食物、饮料）；固定往来；经营生意 | |
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72
attire
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| v.穿衣，装扮[同]array；n.衣着；盛装 | |
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73
attired
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| adj.穿着整齐的v.使穿上衣服，使穿上盛装( attire的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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74
countenance
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| n.脸色，面容；面部表情；vt.支持，赞同 | |
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75
countenances
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| n.面容( countenance的名词复数 )；表情；镇静；道义支持 | |
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76
dread
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| vt.担忧，忧虑；惧怕，不敢；n.担忧，畏惧 | |
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77
perspiration
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| n.汗水；出汗 | |
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78
agitated
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| adj.被鼓动的，不安的 | |
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79
slay
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| v.杀死，宰杀，杀戮 | |
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80
throbbed
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| 抽痛( throb的过去式和过去分词 )； （心脏、脉搏等）跳动 | |
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81
mere
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| adj.纯粹的；仅仅，只不过 | |
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82
fixed
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| adj.固定的，不变的，准备好的；(计算机)固定的 | |
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83
uncertainty
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| n.易变，靠不住，不确知，不确定的事物 | |
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84
shrug
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| v.耸肩(表示怀疑、冷漠、不知等) | |
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85
indifference
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| n.不感兴趣，不关心，冷淡，不在乎 | |
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86
rumour
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| n.谣言，谣传，传闻 | |
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87
astounded
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| v.使震惊(astound的过去式和过去分词)；愕然；愕；惊讶 | |
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88
perplexed
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| adj.不知所措的 | |
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89
usher
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| n.带位员，招待员；vt.引导，护送；vi.做招待，担任引座员 | |
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90
frail
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| adj.身体虚弱的；易损坏的 | |
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91
possessed
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| adj.疯狂的；拥有的，占有的 | |
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92
emanating
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| v.从…处传出，传出( emanate的现在分词 )；产生，表现，显示 | |
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93
compartment
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| n.卧车包房，隔间；分隔的空间 | |
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94
inspector
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| n.检查员，监察员，视察员 | |
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95
entangled
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| adj.卷入的；陷入的；被缠住的；缠在一起的v.使某人（某物/自己）缠绕，纠缠于（某物中），使某人（自己）陷入（困难或复杂的环境中）( entangle的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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96
tranquilly
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| adv. 宁静地 | |
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98
dozed
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| v.打盹儿，打瞌睡( doze的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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99
precisely
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| adv.恰好，正好，精确地，细致地 | |
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100
medley
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| n.混合 | |
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101
drawn
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| v.拖，拉，拔出；adj.憔悴的，紧张的 | |
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102
gash
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| v.深切，划开；n.(深长的)切(伤)口；裂缝 | |
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103
conjectures
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| 推测，猜想( conjecture的名词复数 ) | |
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104
monogram
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| n.字母组合 | |
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105
diligent
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| adj.勤勉的，勤奋的 | |
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106
erect
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| n./v.树立，建立，使竖立；adj.直立的，垂直的 | |
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107
perusing
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| v.读（某篇文字）( peruse的现在分词 )；（尤指）细阅；审阅；匆匆读或心不在焉地浏览（某篇文字） | |
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108
robust
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| adj.强壮的，强健的，粗野的，需要体力的，浓的 | |
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109
pallid
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| adj.苍白的，呆板的 | |
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110
eyelids
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| n.眼睑( eyelid的名词复数 )；眼睛也不眨一下；不露声色；面不改色 | |
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111
adroitness
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112
perspicacious
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| adj.聪颖的，敏锐的 | |
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113
witty
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| adj.机智的，风趣的 | |
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114
amiable
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| adj.和蔼可亲的，友善的，亲切的 | |
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115
arrogant
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| adj.傲慢的，自大的 | |
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116
functionary
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| n.官员；公职人员 | |
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117
ardent
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| adj.热情的，热烈的，强烈的，烈性的 | |
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118
ardently
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| adv.热心地，热烈地 | |
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119
expiate
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| v.抵补，赎罪 | |
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120
doorway
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| n.门口，(喻)入门；门路，途径 | |
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121
immoral
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| adj.不道德的，淫荡的，荒淫的，有伤风化的 | |
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122
obstinate
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| adj.顽固的，倔强的，不易屈服的，较难治愈的 | |
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123
provincial
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| adj.省的，地方的；n．外省人，乡下人 | |
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124
avarice
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| n.贪婪；贪心 | |
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125
disdain
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| n.鄙视，轻视；v.轻视，鄙视，不屑 | |
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126
nonentity
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| n.无足轻重的人 | |
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127
supreme
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| adj.极度的，最重要的；至高的，最高的 | |
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128
improperly
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| 不正确地，不适当地 | |
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129
Flared
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| adj. 端部张开的, 爆发的, 加宽的, 漏斗式的 动词flare的过去式和过去分词 | |
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130
virtuous
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| adj.有品德的，善良的，贞洁的，有效力的 | |
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131
disposition
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| n.性情，性格；意向，倾向；排列，部署 | |
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132
briefly
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| adv.简单地，简短地 | |
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133
impatience
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| n.不耐烦，急躁 | |
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134
adversary
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| adj.敌手，对手 | |
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135
insufficient
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| adj.(for，of)不足的，不够的 | |
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136
extricated
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| v.使摆脱困难，脱身( extricate的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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137
embarrassment
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| n.尴尬；使人为难的人(事物)；障碍；窘迫 | |
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138
decided
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| adj.决定了的，坚决的；明显的，明确的 | |
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139
gallantly
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| adv. 漂亮地，勇敢地，献殷勤地 | |
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140
chateau
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| n.城堡，别墅 | |
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141
jolt
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| v.（使）摇动，（使）震动，（使）颠簸 | |
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142
awakening
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| n.觉醒，醒悟 adj.觉醒中的；唤醒的 | |
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143
arbiter
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| n.仲裁人，公断人 | |
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144
flirted
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| v.调情，打情骂俏( flirt的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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145
swarm
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| n.(昆虫)等一大群；vi.成群飞舞；蜂拥而入 | |
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146
functionaries
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| n.公职人员，官员( functionary的名词复数 ) | |
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147
maternal
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| adj.母亲的，母亲般的，母系的，母方的 | |
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148
advancement
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| n.前进，促进，提升 | |
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149
sonnets
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| n.十四行诗( sonnet的名词复数 ) | |
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150
rheumatism
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| n.风湿病 | |
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151
wresting
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| 动词wrest的现在进行式 | |
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152
tinge
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| vt.(较淡)着色于，染色；使带有…气息；n.淡淡色彩，些微的气息 | |
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153
melancholy
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| n.忧郁，愁思；adj.令人感伤（沮丧）的，忧郁的 | |
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154
habitually
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| ad.习惯地，通常地 | |
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155
phlegmatic
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| adj.冷静的，冷淡的，冷漠的，无活力的 | |
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156
lodged
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| v.存放( lodge的过去式和过去分词 )；暂住；埋入；（权利、权威等）归属 | |
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157
deserted
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| adj.荒芜的，荒废的，无人的，被遗弃的 | |
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158
worthy
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| adj.(of)值得的，配得上的；有价值的 | |
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159
docile
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| adj.驯服的，易控制的，容易教的 | |
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160
delightfully
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| 大喜，欣然 | |
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161
incapable
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| adj.无能力的，不能做某事的 | |
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162
approbation
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| n.称赞；认可 | |
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163
piqued
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| v.伤害…的自尊心( pique的过去式和过去分词 )；激起（好奇心） | |
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164
disinterested
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| adj.不关心的，不感兴趣的 | |
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165
refinement
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| n.文雅；高尚；精美；精制；精炼 | |
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166
affected
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| adj.不自然的，假装的 | |
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167
naught
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| n.无，零 [=nought] | |
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168
boundless
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| adj.无限的；无边无际的；巨大的 | |
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169
widower
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| n.鳏夫 | |
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170
interfere
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| v.(in)干涉，干预；(with)妨碍，打扰 | |
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171
meddling
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| v.干涉，干预（他人事务）( meddle的现在分词 ) | |
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172
infamous
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| adj.声名狼藉的，臭名昭著的，邪恶的 | |
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173
precocious
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| adj.早熟的；较早显出的 | |
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174
rosy
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| adj.美好的，乐观的，玫瑰色的 | |
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175
confession
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| n.自白，供认，承认 | |
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176
brute
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| n.野兽，兽性 | |
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177
imprisonment
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| n.关押，监禁，坐牢 | |
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178
killing
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| n.巨额利润；突然赚大钱，发大财 | |
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179
savage
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| adj.野蛮的；凶恶的，残暴的；n.未开化的人 | |
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180
obstinately
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| ad.固执地，顽固地 | |
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181
quarries
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| n.（采）石场( quarry的名词复数 )；猎物（指鸟，兽等）；方形石；（格窗等的）方形玻璃v.从采石场采得( quarry的第三人称单数 )；从（书本等中）努力发掘（资料等）；在采石场采石 | |
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182
lair
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| n.野兽的巢穴；躲藏处 | |
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183
horrifying
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| a.令人震惊的，使人毛骨悚然的 | |
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184
rape
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| n.抢夺，掠夺，强奸；vt.掠夺，抢夺，强奸 | |
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185
monstrous
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|
| adj.巨大的；恐怖的；可耻的，丢脸的 | |
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186
marshes
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| n.沼泽，湿地( marsh的名词复数 ) | |
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187
mite
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| n.极小的东西；小铜币 | |
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188
odious
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| adj.可憎的，讨厌的 | |
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189
disapproving
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| adj.不满的，反对的v.不赞成( disapprove的现在分词 ) | |
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190
exterior
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| adj.外部的，外在的；表面的 | |
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191
shrugged
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| vt.耸肩（shrug的过去式与过去分词形式） | |
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192
tickled
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| （使）发痒( tickle的过去式和过去分词 )； （使）愉快，逗乐 | |
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193
annoyance
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| n.恼怒，生气，烦恼 | |
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194
perfectly
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| adv.完美地，无可非议地，彻底地 | |
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195
purged
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| 清除（政敌等）( purge的过去式和过去分词 )； 涤除（罪恶等）； 净化（心灵、风气等）； 消除（错事等）的不良影响 | |
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196
entangling
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| v.使某人（某物/自己）缠绕，纠缠于（某物中），使某人（自己）陷入（困难或复杂的环境中）( entangle的现在分词 ) | |
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197
benevolent
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| adj.仁慈的，乐善好施的 | |
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198
inclination
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| n.倾斜；点头；弯腰；斜坡；倾度；倾向；爱好 | |
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199
prudent
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| adj.谨慎的，有远见的，精打细算的 | |
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200
protracted
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| adj.拖延的；延长的v.拖延“protract”的过去式和过去分词 | |
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201
dozing
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| v.打瞌睡,假寐 n.瞌睡 | |
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202
twitch
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| v.急拉，抽动，痉挛，抽搐；n.扯，阵痛，痉挛 | |
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203
shudder
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| v.战粟，震动，剧烈地摇晃；n.战粟，抖动 | |
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204
unreasonable
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| adj.不讲道理的，不合情理的，过度的 | |
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205
tormented
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| 饱受折磨的 | |
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206
slaughtering
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| v.屠杀，杀戮，屠宰( slaughter的现在分词 ) | |
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207
pestered
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| 使烦恼，纠缠( pester的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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208
persistence
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| n.坚持，持续，存留 | |
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209
abruptly
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| adv.突然地，出其不意地 | |
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210
anguish
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| n.(尤指心灵上的)极度痛苦，烦恼 | |
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211
plunged
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| v.颠簸( plunge的过去式和过去分词 )；暴跌；骤降；突降 | |
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212
positively
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| adv.明确地，断然，坚决地；实在，确实 | |
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213
snare
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| n.陷阱，诱惑，圈套；（去除息肉或者肿瘤的）勒除器；响弦，小军鼓；vt.以陷阱捕获，诱惑 | |
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214
prudently
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| adv. 谨慎地，慎重地 | |
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215
deposition
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| n.免职，罢官；作证；沉淀；沉淀物 | |
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216
irresistible
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| adj.非常诱人的，无法拒绝的，无法抗拒的 | |
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217
innocence
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| n.无罪；天真；无害 | |
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218
divulging
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| v.吐露，泄露( divulge的现在分词 ) | |
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219
vehemently
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| adv. 热烈地 | |
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220
gaping
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| adj.口的；张口的；敞口的；多洞穴的v.目瞪口呆地凝视( gape的现在分词 )；张开，张大 | |
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221
penetrated
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| adj. 击穿的，鞭辟入里的 动词penetrate的过去式和过去分词形式 | |
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222
bent
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| n.爱好，癖好；adj.弯的；决心的，一心的 | |
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223
confrontation
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| n.对抗，对峙，冲突 | |
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224
supplication
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| n.恳求，祈愿，哀求 | |
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225
tenacious
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| adj.顽强的，固执的，记忆力强的，粘的 | |
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226
testimony
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| n.证词；见证，证明 | |
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227
gendarmes
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| n.宪兵，警官( gendarme的名词复数 ) | |
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228
bristling
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| a.竖立的 | |
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229
brutally
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| adv.残忍地，野蛮地，冷酷无情地 | |
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230
exasperated
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| adj.恼怒的 | |
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231
accusations
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| n.指责( accusation的名词复数 )；指控；控告；（被告发、控告的）罪名 | |
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232
warfare
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| n.战争(状态)；斗争；冲突 | |
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233
stratagem
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| n.诡计，计谋 | |
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234
snares
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| n.陷阱( snare的名词复数 )；圈套；诱人遭受失败（丢脸、损失等）的东西；诱惑物v.用罗网捕捉，诱陷，陷害( snare的第三人称单数 ) | |
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235
lawful
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| adj.法律许可的，守法的，合法的 | |
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236
grumbled
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| 抱怨( grumble的过去式和过去分词 )； 发牢骚； 咕哝； 发哼声 | |
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237
liars
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| 说谎者( liar的名词复数 ) | |
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238
clenched
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| v.紧握，抓紧，咬紧( clench的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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239
astonishment
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| n.惊奇，惊异 | |
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240
stammered
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| v.结巴地说出( stammer的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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241
intimidation
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| n.恐吓，威胁 | |
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242
itching
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| adj.贪得的，痒的，渴望的v.发痒( itch的现在分词 ) | |
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243
trump
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| n.王牌，法宝；v.打出王牌，吹喇叭 | |
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244
corpse
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| n.尸体，死尸 | |
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245
ripple
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| n.涟波，涟漪，波纹，粗钢梳；vt.使...起涟漪，使起波纹； vi.呈波浪状，起伏前进 | |
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246
attentive
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| adj.注意的，专心的；关心(别人)的，殷勤的 | |
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247
hearty
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| adj.热情友好的；衷心的；尽情的，纵情的 | |
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248
yarn
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| n.纱，纱线，纺线；奇闻漫谈，旅行轶事 | |
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249
noose
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| n.绳套，绞索（刑）；v.用套索捉；使落入圈套；处以绞刑 | |
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250
astuteness
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| n.敏锐；精明；机敏 | |
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251
complicating
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| 使复杂化( complicate的现在分词 ) | |
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252
deposing
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| v.罢免( depose的现在分词 )；（在法庭上）宣誓作证 | |
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253
invincible
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| adj.不可征服的，难以制服的 | |
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254
culpability
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| n.苛责，有罪 | |
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255
perseverance
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| n.坚持不懈，不屈不挠 | |
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256
savagery
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| n.野性 | |
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257
circumspect
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| adj.慎重的，谨慎的 | |
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258
pang
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| n.剧痛，悲痛，苦闷 | |
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259
custody
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| n.监护，照看，羁押，拘留 | |
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260
yarns
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| n.纱( yarn的名词复数 )；纱线；奇闻漫谈；旅行轶事 | |
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261
pricked
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| 刺，扎，戳( prick的过去式和过去分词 )； 刺伤； 刺痛； 使剧痛 | |
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262
scruples
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| n.良心上的不安( scruple的名词复数 )；顾虑，顾忌v.感到于心不安，有顾忌( scruple的第三人称单数 ) | |
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263
considerably
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| adv.极大地；相当大地；在很大程度上 | |
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264
oblivious
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| adj.易忘的，遗忘的，忘却的，健忘的 | |
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265
lessened
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| 减少的，减弱的 | |
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266
bereft
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| adj.被剥夺的 | |
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267
entrusted
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| v.委托，托付( entrust的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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268
rumours
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| n.传闻( rumour的名词复数 )；风闻；谣言；谣传 | |
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269
inevitable
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| adj.不可避免的，必然发生的 | |
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270
ascertaining
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| v.弄清，确定，查明( ascertain的现在分词 ) | |
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271
shuddered
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| v.战栗( shudder的过去式和过去分词 )；发抖；（机器、车辆等）突然震动；颤动 | |
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