I met the peasant who had
been sent in, and I have examined him."
Then, turning to the commonwealth attorney, he added,--
"I think we ought to proceed at once to the place where the crime has
been committed."
"I was going to suggest it to you," replied M. Daubigeon.
"The gendarmes ought to be notified."
"M. Seneschal has just sent them word."
The magistrate was so much excited, that his cold impassiveness actually
threatened to give way for once.
"There has been an attempt at murder."
"Evidently."
"Then we can act in concert, and side by side, each one in his own line
of duty, you examining, and I preparing for the trial."
An ironical smile passed over the lips of the commonwealth attorney.
"You ought to know me well enough," he said, "to be sure that I have
never interfered with your duties and privileges. I am nothing but a
good old fellow, a friend of peace and of studies.
"'Sum piger et senior, Pieridumque comes.'"
"Then," exclaimed M. Seneschal, "nothing keeps us here any longer. I am
impatient to be off; my carriage is ready; let us go!"
II.
In a straight line it is only a mile from Sauveterre to Valpinson; but
that mile is as long as two elsewhere. M. Seneschal, however, had a good
horse, "the best perhaps in the county," he said, as he got into his
carriage.
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