ast, after the lapse of this time, and by dint of great efforts, it
became possible to ascertain the sum total of the information given by
Papa Ravinet, Daniel, and Henrietta. The truth began to show itself
in the midst of this chaos; and the plot of Sarah Brandon and her
accomplices appeared in all its hideous outlines. A plan of striking
simplicity, the success of which seemed to have hung upon a hair. If the
old dealer, instead of going down by the backstairs, had taken the front
staircase, he would never have heard Henrietta's agony, and the poor
child would have been lost.

If Crochard's ball had been a few lines nearer the heart, Daniel would
have been killed.

And still the old dealer was not quite satisfied. He hung his lip, and
winked with his yellow eyes, as if he wished it to be understood that
he was by no means fully convinced, and that there were certain points
which required fuller explanation.

"Look here, M. Champcey," he began at last, "the more I think of it, the
more _I_ am convinced that Sarah Brandon had nothing to do with these
attempts at assassination, which so nearly made an end of you. She is
too strong in her perversity to stoop to such coarse means, which always
leave traces behind, and finally lead to a court of justice. She always
acts alone, when her mind is made up; and her accomplices aid her only
unconsciously, so that they can never betray her."

Daniel had been thoughtful.

"What you tell me," he answered, "I was told before by M. de Brevan."

The old gentleman did not seem to hear him, so intensely did he apply
all the faculties of his mind to the problem before him.

"Still," he continued, "there is no doubt about the manner in which
Crochard, surnamed Bagnolet, was employed. Could Brevan have done so
without Sarah's knowledge, and perhaps even contrary to her wishes?"

"That is quite possible; but then why should he have done so?"

"To secure to himself the fortune which M. Champcey had so imprudently
intrusted to him," said Henrietta.

But Papa Ravinet shook his head, looking very wise, and said,--

"That is one explanation. I do not say no to it; but it is not the true
one yet. Murder is so dangerous an expedient, that even the boldest
criminals only resort to it in the last extremity, and generally very
much against their inclination. Could not Brevan have possessed himself
of M. Champcey's property without a murder? Of course, he could.

"Then we must look for ano