“That being so, we must next look, not for the manner in which we spent our time, but for our purpose in going out the evening of the crime. Ah! If we could suggest a plausible, a very probable purpose, I should almost guarantee our success; for we need not hesitate to say there is the turning-point of the whole case, on which all the discussions will turn.” Jacques did not seem to be fully convinced of this view. He said,-- “You think that possible?” “Unfortunately, it is but too certain; and, if I say unfortunately, it is because here we have to meet a terrible charge, the most decisive, by all means, that has been raised, one on which M. Galpin has not insisted (he is much too clever for that), but one which, in the hands of the prosecution, may become a terrible weapon.” “I must confess,” said Jacques, “I do not very well see”-- “Have you forgotten the letter you wrote to Miss Dionysia the evening of the crime?” broke in M. Magloire. Jacques looked first at one, and then at the other of his counsel. “What,” he said, “that letter?” “Overwhelms us, my dear client,” said M. Folgat. “Don’t you remember it? You told your betrothed in that note, that you would be prevented from enjoying the evening with her by some business of the greatest importance, and which could not be delayed? Thus, you see, you had determined beforehand, and after mature consideration, to spend that evening in doing a certain thing. What was it? ‘The murder of Count Claudieuse,’ says the prosecution. What can we say?” “But, I beg your pardon--that letter. Miss Dionysia surely has not handed it over to them?” “No; but the prosecution is aware of its existence. M. de Chandore and M. Seneschal have spoken of it in the hope of exculpating you, and have even mentioned the contents. And M. Galpin knows it so well, that he had repeatedly mentioned it to you, and you have confessed all that he could desire.” The young advocate looked among his papers; and soon he had found what he wanted. “Look here,” he said, “in your third examination, I find this,--” “‘QUESTION.--You were shortly to marry Miss Chandore? ANSWER.--Yes. Q--For some time you had been spending your evenings with her? A.--Yes, all. Q.--Except the one of the crime? A.--Unfortunately. Q.--Then your betrothed must have wondered at your absence? A.--No: I had written to her.’” “Do you hear, Jacques?” cried M. Magloire. “Notice that M. Galpin takes care not to insist. He does not wish to rouse your suspicions. He has got you to confess, and that is enough for him.” But, in the meantime, M. Folgat had found another paper. “In your sixth examination,” he went on, “I have noticed this,-- “‘Q.--You left your house with your gun on your shoulder, without any definite aim? A.--I shall explain that when I have consulted with counsel. Q.--You need no consultation to tell the truth. A.--I shall not change my resolution. Q.--Then you will not tell me where you were between eight and midnight?