Why  should  you  have  done  this?  and  what  can  she  tell
us?  Do  you  suppose  that  the  police  are  ignorant  of
your  relations  with  Lacheneur — of  your  conversation
with  him  when  he,  in  a  carriage,  and  in  an  unfrequented
spot,  awaited  your  coming — of  the  hopes  of  fortune
which  you  based  upon  him?  Be  guided  by  me;  decide
to  confess  all,  while  there  is  yet  time;  do  not  pursue  a
course  which  may  lead  you  into  serious  danger.  One
can  be  an  accomplice  in  more  ways  than  one."

It  is  certain  that  Polyte's  impudence  and  indifference
had  received  a  very  severe  shock.  He  seemed  con-
founded, and  hung  his  head,  muttering  some  unintelli-
gible response.
Still,  he  preserved  an  obstinate  silence;  and  the  judge,
who  had  just  employed  his  strongest  argument,  and  in
vain,  gave  up  in  despair.  He  rang  the  bell,  and  ordered
the  guard  to  conduct  the  witness  back  to  prison,  and
to  take  every  precaution  to  prevent  him  from  seeing  his
wife  again.
When  Polyte  had  departed,  Lecoq  reappeared.  He
was  in  despair.
