"It is possible that you are right; as for me, I am persuaded of it.
Still the conclusions in my report will not be yours. The physician
consulted by the law, should only pronounce upon patent, demonstrated
facts. If he has a doubt, even the slightest, he should hold his tongue.
I will say more; if there is any uncertainty, my opinion is that the
accused, and not the prosecution, should have the benefit of it."
This was certainly not the detective's opinion, but he was cautious not
to say so. He had followed Dr. Gendron with anxious attention, and the
contraction of his face showed the travail of his mind.
"It seems to me now possible," said he, "to determine how and where the
countess was struck."
The doctor had covered the body, and Plantat had replaced the lamp on
the little table. Both asked M. Lecoq to explain himself.
"Very well," resumed the detective. "The direction of the wound proves
to me that the countess was in her chamber taking tea, seated, her body
inclined a little forward, when she was murdered. The assassin came up
behind her with his arm raised; he chose his position coolly, and struck
her with terrific force. The violence of the blow was such that the
victim fell forward, and in the fall, her forehead struck the end of the
table; she thus gave herself the only fatal blow which we have
discovered on the head."
M. Gendron looked from one to the other of his companions, who exchanged
significant glances. Perhaps he suspected the game they were playing.
"The crime must evidently have been committed as you say," said he.
There was another embarrassing silence. M. Lecoq's obstinate muteness
annoyed Plantat, who finally asked him:
"Have you seen all you want to see?"
"All for to-day; I shall need daylight for what remains. I am confident,
indeed, that with the exception of one detail that worries me, I have
the key to the mystery."
"We must be here, then, early to-morrow morning."
"I will be here at any hour you will name."
"Your search finished, we will go together to Monsieur Domini, at
Corbeil."
"I am quite at your orders."
There was another pause.
M. Plantat perceived that M. Lecoq guessed his thoughts; and did not
understand the detective's capriciousness; a little while before, he had
been very loquacious, but now held his tongue. M. Lecoq, on the other
hand, was delighted to puzzle the old man a little, and formed the
intention to astonish him the next morning, by giving him a report which
should faithfully reflect all his ideas. Meanwhile he had taken out his
lozenge-box, and was intrusting a hundred secrets to the portrait.
"Well," said the doctor, "there remains nothing more to be done except
to retire."
"I was just going to ask permission to do so," said M. Lecoq. "I have
been fasting ever since morning."