How could he hope when all hope seemed absolutely lost? But the commissioners made no attempt to conceal their satisfaction. M. de Sairmeuse, especially, evinced an indecent joy. “Ah, well! Messieurs?” he said to the lawyers, in a sneering tone. The counsel for the defence poorly dissimulated their discouragement; but they nevertheless endeavored to question the validity of such a declaration on the part of their client. He had said that he _suspected_ the conspiracy, not that he _knew_ it. It was quite a different thing. “Say at once that you wish still more overwhelming evidence,” interrupted the duke. “Very well! You shall have it. Continue your deposition, witness.” “The accused,” continued Chupin, “was present at all the conferences held at Lacheneur’s house. The proof of this is as clear as daylight. Being obliged to cross the Oiselle to reach the Reche, and fearing the ferryman would notice his frequent nocturnal voyages, the baron had an old boat repaired which he had not used for years.” “Ah! that is a remarkable circumstance, prisoner; do you recollect having your boat repaired?” “Yes; but not for the purpose which this man mentions.” “For what purpose, then?” The baron made no response. Was it not in compliance with the request of Maurice that the boat had been put in order? “And finally,” continued Chupin, “when Lacheneur set fire to his house to give the signal for the insurrection, the prisoner was with him.” “That,” exclaimed the duke, “is conclusive evidence.” “I was, indeed, at the Reche,” interrupted the baron; “but it was, as I have already told you, with the firm determination of preventing this outbreak.” M. de Sairmeuse gave utterance to a little disdainful laugh. “Ah, gentlemen!” he said, addressing the commissioners, “can you not see that the prisoner’s courage does not equal his depravity? But I will confound him. What did you do, prisoner, when the insurgents left the Reche?” “I returned to my home with all possible haste, took a horse and repaired to the Croix d’Arcy.” “Then you knew that this was the spot appointed for the general rendezvous?” “Lacheneur had just informed me.” “If I believed your story, I should tell you that it was your duty to have hastened to Montaignac and informed the authorities. But what you say is untrue. You did not leave Lacheneur, you accompanied him.” “No, Monsieur, no!” “And what if I could prove this fact beyond all question?” “Impossible, Monsieur, since such was not the case.” By the malicious satisfaction that lighted M. de Sairmeuse’s face, the abbe knew that this wicked judge had some terrible weapon in his hands, and that Baron d’Escorval was about to be overwhelmed by one of those fatal coincidences which explain, although they do not justify, judicial errors. At a sign from the counsel for the prosecution, the Marquis de Courtornieu left his seat and came forward to the platform.