rds
exhaust all his wages. No longer ago than last week, the keeper of
the Cafe du Commerce came here and made a row on account of what he
owed him, and threatened to go to the count about it."

Perceiving the effect of what he said, the valet, as if to correct
himself, hastened to add:

"I have no ill-will toward Guespin; before to-day I've always
considered him a clever fellow, though he was too much of a
practical joker; he was, perhaps, a little proud, considering his
bringing up--"

"You may go," said the judge, cutting the disquisition of M.
Francois short; the valet retired.

During this colloquy, Guespin had little by little come to himself.
The judge of instruction, Plantat, and the mayor narrowly watched
the play of his countenance, which he had not the coolness to
compose, while the doctor held his pulse and counted its beating.

"Remorse, and fear of punishment," muttered the mayor.

"Innocence, and the impossibility of proving it," responded Plantat
in a low tone.

M. Domini heard both these exclamations, but did not appear to take
notice of them. His opinion was not formed, and he did not wish
that anyone should be able to foretell, by any word of his, what
it would be.

"Are you better, my friend?" asked Dr. Gendron, of Guespin.

The poor fellow made an affirmative sign. Then, having looked
around with the anxious glance of a man who calculates a precipice
over which he has fallen, he passed his hand across his eyes and
stammered:

"Something to drink!"

A glass of water was brought, and he drank it at a draught, with
an expression of intense satisfaction. Then he got upon his feet.

"Are you now in a fit state to answer me?" asked the judge.

Guespin staggered a little, then drew himself up. He continued
erect before the judge, supporting himself against a table. The
nervous trembling of his hands diminished, the blood returned to
his cheeks, and as he listened, he arranged the disorder of his
clothes.

"You know the events of this night, don't you?" commenced the
judge; "the Count and Countess de Tremorel have been murdered. You
went away yesterday with all the servants of the chateau; you left
them at the Lyons station about nine o'clock; you have just
returned, alone. Where have you passed the night?"

Guespin hung his head and remained silent.

"That is not all," continued M. Domini; "yesterday you had no money,
the fact is well known; one of your fellow-servants has just prove