THE SERGEANT I see, I see, I understand! You’re coming the artful over me! You’re pulling my leg! First you’re impudent and now you’re being clever! Very well, your case is quite clear: we’ll soon settle it.... (_To GUSTAVE._) Let’s hear what he has done. What has he stolen? GUSTAVE I can’t yet say for certain that he has stolen anything; I haven’t had time to take stock of things; and I don’t like to accuse him without being sure. We must be just before all things. But he has done something more serious. THE SERGEANT I never doubted it. GUSTAVE You know the loss which we have suffered. While we were mourning the dear departed and finishing our lunch, he made his way into the house under some pretext or other, with intentions which you can easily guess. He took advantage of the maid’s simplicity and credulousness to have the door opened of the room where the body was laid out. He obviously hoped to turn our disorder and grief to account in order to fish in troubled waters and make a haul. He may have learnt through an accomplice that our aunt’s jewels and silver were put out on the mantelpiece. Unfortunately for him, our aunt was not dead. And, suddenly, seeing this repellent figure in her room, she woke up, cried out and spoke to him roundly and pluckily. Then, to take revenge for his discomfiture, I don’t know how—the doctor will explain—he deprived her of the use of her speech; and, notwithstanding our entreaties, he refuses to restore it to her, naturally hoping to make us pay through the nose. Mind you, I am making no accusations; I am simply stating the facts. As for the rest, you can ask the doctor. THE DOCTOR I will furnish all the necessary explanations before the Commissary; if he wishes it, I will draw up a report. ACHILLE Meanwhile, there’s no mistake about it: he’s either a criminal or a madman, perhaps both. In any case, he’s a dangerous person who must absolutely be locked up. THE SERGEANT That’s quite clear. We’ll get rid of him for you. (_To the POLICEMAN._) Rabutteau! POLICEMAN Yes, Sergeant. THE SERGEANT The handcuffs. GUSTAVE Sergeant, it was very good of you and your mate to come round. Before leaving us, you must do us the pleasure of taking a glass of something with us. THE SERGEANT We won’t say no to that, eh, Rabutteau? Especially as the prisoner looks like a tough customer. GUSTAVE Joseph, bring a bottle and some glasses. (_Exit JOSEPH._) We will all drink to my aunt’s recovery. THE SERGEANT It’ll do us no harm in this weather. GUSTAVE Is it still raining? THE SERGEANT In torrents. I’ve only come the length of the street; look at my cape. POLICEMAN You can’t tell if it’s raining or snowing, but it’s worse than either. (_Enter JOSEPH with a tray filled with glasses, which he hands round._) THE SERGEANT (_Raising his glass._) Ladies and gentlemen, your very good health! GUSTAVE