"Who has told you about these things?" asked M. Domini.
"Well--everybody has told me a little."
"But where?"
"Here: I've already been here two hours, and even heard the mayor's
speech."
And, satisfied with the effect he had produced, M. Lecoq munched a
lozenge.
"You were not aware, then," resumed the judge, "that I was waiting for
you?"
"Pardon me," said the detective; "I hope you will be kind enough to hear
me. You see, it is indispensable to study the ground; one must look
about, establish his batteries. I am anxious to catch the general
rumor--public opinion, as they say, so as to distrust it."
"All this," answered M. Domini, severely, "does not justify your delay."