The judge of instruction, the doctor, and M. Plantat exchanged a
significant look. What misfortune had befallen M. Courtois, this worthy,
and despite his faults, excellent person? Decidedly, this was an
ill-omened day!
"If we are to speak of Bertaud's allusions," said M. Lecoq, "I have
heard two very curious stories, though I have been here but a few hours.
It seems that this Mademoiselle Laurence--"