emarks. He would not be withheld by such paltry considerations.

"Our suspicions are well grounded," continued the magistrate. "But,
should they lead us into error, our precipitation would be a terrible
misfortune for this young man, to say nothing of the effect it would
have in abridging the authority and dignity of justice, of weakening
the respect which constitutes her power. Such a mistake would call for
discussion, provoke examination, and awaken distrust, at an epoch in our
history when all minds are but too much disposed to defy the constituted
authorities."

He leaned upon the table, and appeared to reflect profoundly.

"I have no luck," thought old Tabaret. "I have to do with a trembler.
When he should act, he makes speeches; instead of signing warrants, he
propounds theories. He is astounded at my discovery, and is not equal to
the situation. Instead of being delighted by my appearance with the news
of our success, he would have given a twenty-franc piece, I dare say, to
have been left undisturbed. Ah! he would very willingly have the little
fishes in his net, but the big ones frighten him. The big fishes are
dangerous, and he prefers to let them swim away."

"Perhaps," said M. Daburon, aloud, "it will suffice to issue a
search-warrant, and a summons for the appearance of the accused."

"Then all is lost!" cried old Tabaret.

"And why, pray?"

"Because we are opposed by a criminal of marked ability. A most
providential accident has placed us upon his track. If we give him time
to breathe, he will escape."

The only answer was an inclination of the head, which M. Daburon may
have intended for a sign of assent.

"It is evident," continued the old fellow, "that our adversary has
foreseen everything, absolutely everything, even the possibility of
suspicion attaching to one in his high position. Oh! his precautions
are all taken. If you are satisfied with demanding his appearance, he
is saved. He will appear before you as tranquilly as your clerk, as
unconcerned as if he came to arrange the preliminaries of a duel. He
will present you with a magnificent _alibi_, an _alibi_ that can not be
gainsayed. He will show you that he passed the evening and the night
of Tuesday with personages of the highest rank. In short, his little
machine will be so cleverly constructed, so nicely arranged, all its
little wheels will play so well, that there will be nothing left for you
but to open the door and usher him out wit