25. An Unexpected Dénouement

           WewerepresentthefollowingmorningattheexaminationofJackRenauld.Shortasthetimehadbeen,Iwasshockedatthechangethathadtakenplaceintheyoungprisoner.Hischeekshadfallenin,thereweredeepblackcirclesroundhiseyes,andhelookedhaggardanddistraught,asonewhohadwooedsleepinvainforseveralnights.Hebetrayednoemotionatseeingus.

           Theprisonerandhiscounsel,MaîtreGrosíer,wereaccommodatedwithchairs.Aformidableguardwithresplendentsabrestoodbeforethedoor.Thepatientgreffiersatathisdesk.Theexaminationbegan.

           “Renauld,”beganthemagistrate,“doyoudenythatyouwereinMerlinvilleonthenightofthecrime?”

           Jackdidnotreplyatonce,thenhesaidwithahesitancyofmannerwhichwaspiteous:

           “I—I—toldyouthatIwasinCherbourg.”

           MaîtreGrosíerfrownedandsighed.IrealizedatoncethatJackRenauldwasobstinatelybentonconductinghisowncaseashewished,tothedespairofhislegalrepresentative.

           Themagistrateturnedsharply.

           “Sendinthestationwitnesses.”

           InamomentortwothedooropenedtoadmitamanwhomIrecognizedasbeingaporteratMerlinvillestation.

           “YouwereondutyonthenightofJune7th?”

           “Yes,monsieur.”

           “Youwitnessedthearrivalofthe11:40train?”

           “Yes,monsieur.”

           “Lookattheprisoner.Doyourecognizehimashavingbeenoneofthepassengerstoalight?”

           “Yes,Monsieurlejuge.”

           “Thereisnopossibilityofyourbeingmistaken?”

           “No,monsieur.IknewM.JackRenauldwell.”

           “Norofyourbeingmistakenastothedate?”

           “No,monsieur.