In his impatience, M. Segmuller angrily stamped his foot.  He had many weapons in his arsenal; but none strong enough to break a woman’s dogged resistance.

“If I only understood the motive that guides this old hag!” he continued.  “But not a clue!  Who can tell me what powerful interest induces her to remain silent?  Is it her own cause that she is defending?  Is she an accomplice?  Is it certain that she did not aid the murderer in planning an ambuscade?”

“Yes,” responded Lecoq, slowly, “yes; this supposition very naturally presents itself to the mind.  But think a moment, sir, such a theory would prove that the idea we entertained a short time since is altogether false.  If the Widow Chupin is an accomplice, the murderer is not the person we have supposed him to be; he is simply the man he seems to be.”

This argument apparently convinced M. Segmuller.  “What is your opinion?” he asked.

The young detective had formed his opinion a long while ago.  But how could he, a humble police agent, venture to express any decided views when the magistrate hesitated?  He understood well enough that his position necessitated extreme reserve; hence, it was in the most modest tone that he replied:  “Might not the pretended drunkard have dazzled Mother Chupin’s eyes with the prospect of a brilliant reward?  Might he not have promised her a considerable sum of money?”

He paused; Goguet, the smiling clerk, had just returned.

Behind him stood a private of the Garde de Paris who remained respectfully on the threshold, his heels in a straight line, his right hand raised to the peak of his shako, and his elbow on a level with his eyes, in accordance with the regulations.

“The governor of the Depot,” said the soldier, “sends me to inquire if he is to keep the Widow Chupin in solitary confinement; she complains bitterly about it.”

M. Segmuller reflected for a moment.  “Certainly,” he murmured, as if replying to an objection made by his own conscience; “certainly, it is an undoubted aggravation of suffering; but if I allow this woman to associate with the other prisoners, she will certainly find some opportunity to communicate with parties outside.  This must not be; the interests of justice and truth must be considered first.”  The thought embodied in these last words decided him.  “Despite her complaints the prisoner must be kept in solitary confinement until further orders,” he said.

The soldier allowed his right hand to fall to his side, he carried his right foot three inches behind his left heel, and wheeled around.  Goguet, the smiling clerk, then closed the door, and, drawing a large envelope from his pocket, handed it to the magistrate.  “Here is a communication from the governor of the Depot,” said he.

The magistrate broke the seal, and read aloud, as follows: