human
Did you take the girl to Pougeot last night?
gpt
Yes, she's all right. The commissary says he will look after her as if she were his own daughter until he hears from you.
human
Good! And--you showed her the ring?
gpt
She understands, she will be careful, but--there's nothing for her to worry about now--is there?
human
You'd better let me have the ring before I forget it.
gpt
Thanks! He slipped the old talisman on his finger, and then, after a troubled pause, he said:
human
There is more for her to worry about than ever.
gpt
More? You mean on account of Groener?
human
Yes.
gpt
But he's caught, he's in prison.
human
He's not in prison.
gpt
Not in prison?
human
He was set at liberty about--about two o'clock this morning.
gpt
But--but he's guilty.
human
I know.
gpt
You have all this evidence against him?
human
Yes.
gpt
Then--then _how_ is he at liberty?
human
You mean--without trial?
gpt
Yes--without trial. He's a very important person, Papa Tignol.
human
I didn't know anybody was too important to be tried for murder.
gpt
He _can't_ be tried until he's committed for trial by a judge.
human
Well? And Hauteville?
gpt
Hauteville will never commit him.
human
Why not?
gpt
Because Hauteville has been removed from office.
human
Wha-at?
gpt
His commission was revoked this morning by order of the Minister of Justice.
human
Judge Hauteville--discharged!
gpt
And you, too, my poor friend. _Everyone_ who has had anything to do with this case, from the highest to the lowest, will suffer. We all made a frightful mistake, they say, in daring to arrest and persecute this most distinguished and honorable citizen. Ha, ha!
human
exclaimed Tignol.
gpt
He must be a rich devil!
human
He's rich and--much more.
gpt
Whe-ew! He must be a senator or--or something like that?
human
Much more,
gpt
More than a senator? Then--then a cabinet minister? No, it isn't possible?
human
He is more important than a cabinet minister, far more important.
gpt
Holy snakes! gasped Tignol.
human
I don't see anything left except the Prime Minister himself.
gpt
This man is so highly placed, declared Coquenil gravely,
human
Stop! interrupted the other.
gpt
I know. He was in that coaching party; he killed the dog, it was--it was the Duke de Montreuil.
human
No, it was not, replied Coquenil.
gpt
The Duke de Montreuil is rich and powerful, as men go in France, but this man is of international importance, his fortune amounts to a thousand million francs, at least, and his power is--well--he could treat the Duke de Montreuil like a valet.
human
Who--who is he?
gpt
Do you see that red book? It's the _Annuaire de la Noblesse Française_. You'll find his name there--marked with a pencil.
human
It isn't possible!
gpt
I know, agreed Coquenil,