JOSEPH ROULETABILLE APPEARS
we had the murderer before us and that we were actually looking at him. I have now brought what I consider the indisputable proof."
"Speak out, Monsieur! Tell us the murderer's name."
"You will find it on the list of names present in the court on the night of the tragedy," replied Rouletabille.
The people present in the court-room began showing impatience. Some of them even called for the name, and were silenced by the usher.
"The list includes Daddy Jacques, Bernier the concierge, and Mr. Arthur Rance," said the President. "Do you accuse any of these?"
"No, Monsieur!"
"Then I do not understand what you are driving at. There was no other person at the end of the court."
"Yes, Monsieur, there was, not at the end, but above the court, who was leaning out of the window."
"Do you mean Frédéric Larsan!" exclaimed the President.
"Yes! Frédéric Larsan!" replied Rouletabille in a ringing tone. "Frédéric Larsan is the murderer!"
*****
The court-room became immediately filled with loud and indignant protests. So astonished was he that the President did not attempt to quiet it. The quick silence which followed was broken by the distinctly whispered words from the lips of Robert Darzac:
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