The old fellow spoke of matters of speculation in such a tone of assurance that M. Daburon was unable to repress a smile.

“We have not got as far as that yet,” said he.

“But we shall, in a few hours,” replied M. Tabaret quickly.  “I presume you will order young M. de Commarin’s arrest at daybreak.”

The magistrate trembled, like the patient who sees the surgeon deposit his case of instruments upon the table on entering the room.

The moment for action had come.  He felt now what a distance lies between a mental decision and the physical action required to execute it.

“You are prompt, M. Tabaret,” said he; “you recognize no obstacles.”

“None, having ascertained the criminal.  Who else can have committed this assassination?  Who but he had an interest in silencing Widow Lerouge, in suppressing her testimony, in destroying her papers?  He, and only he.  Poor Noel! who is as dull as honesty, warned him, and he acted.  Should we fail to establish his guilt, he will remain de Commarin more than ever; and my young advocate will be Noel Gerdy to the grave.”

“Yes, but—­”

The old man fixed his eyes upon the magistrate with a look of astonishment.

“You see, then, some difficulties, sir?” he asked.

“Most decidedly!” replied M. Daburon.  “This is a matter demanding the utmost circumspection.  In cases like the present, one must not strike until the blow is sure, and we have but presumptions.  Suppose we are mistaken.  Justice, unhappily, cannot repair her errors.  Her hand once unjustly placed upon a man, leaves an imprint of dishonour that can never be effaced.  She may perceive her error, and proclaim it aloud, but in vain!  Public opinion, absurd and idiotic, will not pardon the man guilty of being suspected.”

It was with a sinking heart that the old fellow listened to these remarks.  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.”