It was a man called Tetard, a former constable, who had given up his place, and become a dealer in stones. But besides being a former officer of justice and a merchant, as his cards told the world, he was also the agent of a fire insurance company. It was in this capacity that he presumed, as he told the countess, to present himself in person. He had been informed that the farm buildings at Valpinson, which were insured in his company, had been destroyed by fire; that they had been purposely set on fire by M. de Boiscoran; and that he wished to confer with Count Claudieuse on the subject. Far from him, he added, to decline the responsibility of his company: he only wished to establish the facts which would enable him to fall back upon M. de Boiscoran, who was a man of fortune, and would certainly be condemned to make compensation for the injury done. For this purpose, certain formalities had to be attended to; and he had come to arrange with Count Claudieuse the necessary measures. “And I,” said Dr. Seignebos,--“I request you to take to your heels.” He added with a thundering voice,-- “I think you are very bold to dare to speak in that way of M. de Boiscoran.” M. Tetard disappeared without saying another word; and the doctor, very much excited by this scene, turned to the youngest daughter of the countess, the one with whom she was sitting up when the fire broke out, and who was now decidedly better: after that nothing could keep him at Valpinson. He carefully pocketed the pieces of lead which he had taken from the count’s wounds, and then, drawing the countess out to the door, he said,-- “Before I go away, madam, I should like to know what you think of these events.” The poor lady, who looked as pale as death itself, could hardly hold up any longer. There seemed to be nothing alive in her but her eyes, which were lighted up with unusual brilliancy. “Ah! I do not know, sir,” she replied in a feeble voice. “How can I collect my thoughts after such terrible shocks?” “Still you questioned Cocoleu.” “Who would not have done so, when the truth was at stake?” “And you were not surprised at the name he mentioned?” “You must have seen, sir.” “I saw; and that is exactly why I ask you, and why I want to know what you really think of the state of mind of the poor creature.” “Don’t you know that he is idiotic?” “I know; and that is why I was so surprised to see you insist upon making him talk. Do you really think, that, in spite of his habitual imbecility, he may have glimpses of sense?” “He had, a few moments before, saved my children from death.” “That proves his devotion for you.” “He is very much attached to me indeed, just like a poor animal that I might have picked up and cared for.” “Perhaps so. And still he showed more than mere animal instinct.” “That may well be so. I have more than once noticed flashes of intelligence in Cocoleu.” The doctor had taken off his spectacles, and was wiping them furiously.