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He found deeds of the Morin property and of the Frapesle and Peyron lands; there were also two bonds, for one hundred and fifty and eight hundred and twenty francs, signed by two Orcival citizens in Robelot's favor. M. Plantat could scarcely conceal his disappointment. "Nothing of importance," whispered he in M. Lecoq's ear. "How do you explain that?" "Perfectly," responded the detective.
It was really the bone-setter, working his jaws nervously. His adversary had thrown him down by the famous knee-stroke which is the last resort of the worst prowlers about the Parisian barriers. But it was not so much Robelot's presence which surprised M. Plantat and his friend.
"I know that well enough; you are prosperous you ought to be satisfied." M. Plantat's tone was friendly, almost paternal. He was deeply interested, evidently, in Robelot's prosperity. "Satisfied!" resumed the bone-setter. "Not so much as you might think. Life is very dear for poor people." "But, haven't you just purchased an estate near d'Evry?" "Yes."
What you will say will be of as much weight as anything I might divulge especially now that you have Robelot's body to back your assertions, as well as the money found in his possession. If Monsieur Domini still hesitates to believe you, you know that the doctor promises to find the poison which killed Sauvresy." M. Plantat stopped and hesitated.
The hole was full of rouleaux of twenty-franc pieces; on counting them, M. Lecoq found that there were nineteen thousand five hundred francs. The old justice's face betrayed an expression of profound grief. "That," thought he, "is the price of my poor Sauvresy's life." M. Lecoq found a small piece of paper, covered with figures, deposited with the gold; it seemed to be Robelot's accounts.
"Parbleu! I did my best, for I was well paid, and I was always fond of learning." "And you were an apt scholar at Doctor Gendron's, Master Robelot; he makes some very curious studies. His work and experience on poisons are above all remarkable." Robelot's uneasiness became apparent; his look wavered. "Yes;" returned he, "I have seen some strange experiments."
Run to the mairie," he added, turning to his servant, "and get a litter and two stout men." Dr. Gendron's presence being no longer necessary, he promised M. Plantat to rejoin him at Robelot's, and started off to inquire after M. Courtois's condition. Louis lost no time, and soon reappeared followed, not by two, but ten men. The body was placed on a litter and carried away.
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