In the meantime, M. Galpin had overcome his first amazement, and now broke out furiously,—­

“This man is an impostor.  The money he showed us was paid him to bear false witness.  How can we credit his story?”

“We must investigate the matter,” replied M. Daubigeon.  He rang the bell; and, when the usher came in, he asked,—­

“Have you done what I told you?”

“Yes, sir,” replied the man.  “M. de Boiscoran and the servant of Count Claudieuse are here.”

“Bring in the woman:  when I ring, show M. de Boiscoran in.”

This woman was a big country-girl, plain of face, and square of figure.  She seemed to be very much excited, and looked crimson in her face.

“Do you remember,” asked M. Daubigeon, “that one night last week a man came to your house, and asked to see your mistress?”

“Oh, yes!” replied the honest girl.  “I did not want to let him in at first; but he said he came from the court, and then I let him in.”

“Would you recognize him?”

“Certainly.”

The commonwealth attorney rang again; the door opened, and Jacques came in, his face full of amazement and wonder.

“That is the man!” cried the servant.

“May I know?” asked the unfortunate man.

“Not yet!” replied M. Daubigeon.  “Go back, and be of good hope!”

But Jacques remained standing where he was, like a man who has suddenly been overcome, looking all around with amazed eyes, and evidently unable to comprehend.

How could he have comprehended what was going on?

They had taken him out of his cell without warning; they had carried him to the court-house; and here he was confronted with Trumence, whom he thought he should never see again, and with the servant of the Countess Claudieuse.

M. Galpin looked the picture of consternation; and M. Daubigeon, radiant with delight, bade him be of good hope.

Hopeful of what?  How?  To what purpose?

And Mechinet made him all kinds of signs.

The usher who had brought him in had actually to take him out.

Immediately the commonwealth attorney turned again to the servant-girl and said,—­

“Now, my good girl, can you tell me if any thing special happened in connection with this gentleman’s visit at your house?”

“There was a great quarrel between him and master and mistress.”

“Were you present?”

“No.  But I am quite certain of what I say.”

“How so?”

“Well, I will tell you.  When I went up stairs to tell the countess that there was a gentleman below who came from the courts, she was in a great hurry to go down, and told me to stay with the count, my master.  Of course, I did what she said.  But no sooner was she down than I heard a loud cry.  Master, who had looked all in a stupor, heard it too:  he raised himself on his pillow, and asked me where my mistress was.  I told him, and he was just settling down to try and fall asleep again, when the sound of loud voices came up to us.  ‘That is very singular,’ said master.  I offered to go down and see what was the matter:  but he told me sharply not to stir an inch.  And, when the voices became louder and louder, he said, ‘I will go down myself.  Give me my dressing-gown.’