old him of the man's appearance in our
loft. I pointed out to them the little window above us through which I
had watched him as he fled in the moonlight, and which Wilfred had not
seen, as he remained in bed. I admitted that it was mere chance that had
led me to the discovery of the tracks made the night before.

"It is strange!" muttered the bailiff; "this greatly modifies the
position of the accused. But how do you explain the presence of the
robber in the cellar?" "That robber was myself." I now related briefly
everything that had taken place from the time of my comrades' arrest
until the moment of my flight from the inn. "That will do," said the
bailiff; and, turning toward the chief of police, he added: "I must
admit, Madoc, that the depositions of these musicians never seemed to me
very conclusive of their guilt; moreover, their passports established an
alibi difficult to controvert. Nevertheless, young man," turning to me,
"in spite of the plausibility of the proofs you have given us, you must
remain in our power until they are verified. Keep him in sight, Madoc,
and take your measures accordingly." The bailiff descended the stairs
thoughtfully, and, refolding his papers, he said, without continuing the
examination: "Let the accused be taken back to the prison!" And with a
scornful glance at the landlady, he departed, followed by the secretary.
Madoc alone remained with two officials.

"Madame," he said to Dame Gredel, "maintain the strictest secrecy
about what has happened, and give this brave young man the same room he
occupied night before last." Madoc's look and emphasis admitted of no
reply. Dame Gredel swore she would do whatever was required of her if
she could only be rid of the robbers! Madoc replied: "We shall stay here
all day and to-night to protect you. Go about your work in peace, and
begin by giving us some breakfast. My good fellow, you will give us the
pleasure of dining with us?" My situation did not permit me to decline.
I accepted accordingly, and we soon found ourselves seated before a leg
of ham and a jug of Rhine wine. Other people arrived from time to time,
and endeavored to elicit the confidence of Dame Gredel and Annette, but
they maintained a discreet silence, for which they deserve no little
credit. We spent the afternoon smoking our pipes and emptying our mugs;
no one paid any attention to us.

The chief of police, in spite of his sallow face, piercing glance, pale
lips, and sharp