Iarrivedattheexecutionofit；andIcontinuedtoreasoninthesameway，impersonally。Therichbrotherproposestheblood-
bargaintothepoorbrother。Heoffershimmoney；ahundredthousandfrancs，twohundredthousand，threehundredthousand。
Fromwhatmotiveshouldthescoundrelhesitatetoaccepttheoffer？
Moralideas？Whatisthemoralityofarakewhohasgonefromlibertinismtotheft？UndertheinfluenceofmyvengefulthoughtsIhadreadthecriminalnewsofthedayinthejournals，andthereportsofcriminaltrials，tooassiduouslyforyearspast，nottoknowhowamanbecomesamurderer。Howmanycasesofstabbing，shooting，andpoisoninghavetherenotbeen，inwhichthegainwasentirelyuncertain，andtheconditionsofdangerextreme，merelytoenabletheperpetratorstogo，presently，andexpendthemurder-
moneyinsomelowhauntofdepravity？
Fearofthescaffold？Thennobodywouldkill。Besides，debauchees，whethertheystopshortatviceorrolldownthedescentintocrime，havenoforesightofthefuture。Presentsensationistoostrongforthem；itsimageabolishesallotherimages，andabsorbsallthevitalforcesofthetemperamentandthesoul。Anolddyingmother，childrenperishingofhunger，adespairingwife；havethesepicturesoftheirdeedseverarresteddrunkards，gamblers，orprofligates？Nomorehavethetragicphantomsofthetribunal，theprison，andtheguillotine，when，thirstingforgold，theykilltoprocureit。Thescaffoldisfaroff，thebrothelisatthestreetcorner，andthebeingsunkinvicekillsaman，justasabutcherwouldkillabeast，thathemaygothither，ortothetavern，ortothelowgaming-house，withapocketfullofmoney。Thisisthedailymodeofprocedureincrime。
Whyshouldnotthedesireofamoreelevatedkindofdebauchpossessthesamewickedattractionformenwhoareindeedmorerefined，butarequiteasincapableofmoralgoodnessastherascallyfrequentersofthelowestdensofiniquity？
Ah！thethoughtthatmyfather”sbloodmighthavepaidforsuppersinaNewYorknight-housewastoocruelandunendurable。Ilostcouragetopursuemycold，calm，reasonabledeductions，akindofhallucinationcameuponme——amentalpictureofthehideousscene——
andIfeltmyreasonreel。WithagreateffortIturnedtotheportraitofmyfather，gazedatitlong，andspoketohimasifhecouldhaveheardme，aloud，inabjectentreaty。“Helpme，helpme！“
Andthen，Ioncemorebecamestrongenoughtoresumethedreadfulhypothesis，andtocriticiseitpointbypoint。Againstitwasitsutterunlikelihood；itresemblednothingbutthenightmareofadiseasedimagination。Abrotherwhoemployshisbrotherastheassassinofamanwhosewifehewantstomarry！Still，althoughtheconceptionofsuchadevilishplotbelongedtothedomainofthewildestfantasies，Isaidtomyself：“Thismaybeso，butinthewayofcrime，thereisnosuchthingasunlikelihood。Theassassinceasestomoveinthehabitualgroovesofsociallifebythemerefactthathemakesuphismindtomurder。”AndthenascoreofexamplesofcrimescommittedundercircumstancesasstrangeandexceptionalasthosewhosegreaterorlessprobabilityIwasthendiscussingwithmyselfrecurredtomymemory。
Oneobjectionaroseatonce。Admittingthiscomplicatedcrimetobepossibleonly，howcameItobethefirsttoformasuspicionofit？Whyhadnotthekeen，subtle，experiencedoldmagistrate，M。
Massol，lookedinthatdirectionforanexplanationofthemysteryinwhosepresenceheconfessedhimselfpowerless？Theanswercameready。M。Massoldidnotthinkofit，thatwasall。Theimportantthingistoknow，notwhethertheJudgeofInstructionsuspectedthefact，ordidnotsuspectit；butwhetherthefactitselfis，orisnot，real。
Again，whatindicationshadreachedM。Massoltoputhimonthisscent？Ifhehadthoroughlystudiedmyfather”shomeandhisdomesticlife，hehadacquiredthecertaintythatmymotherwasafaithfulwifeandagoodwoman。Hehadwitnessedhersinceregrief，andhehadnotseen，asIhad，letterswrittenbymyfatherinwhichheacknowledgedhisjealousy，andrevealedthepassionofhisfalsefriend。
But，evensupposingthejudgehadfromthefirstsuspectedthevillainyofmyfuturestepfather，thediscoveryofhisaccompliceswouldhavebeenthefirstthingtobedone，since，inanycase，thepresenceofM。Termondeinourhouseatthetimeofthemurderwasanascertainedfact。
SupposingM。Massolhadbeenledtothinkofthebrotherwhohaddisappeared，whatthen？Wherewerethetracesofthatbrothertobefound？Whereandhow？IfEdmondandJacqueshadbeenaccomplicesinthecrime，wouldnottheirchiefcarebetocontriveameansofcorrespondencewhichshoulddefythevigilanceofthepolice？Didtheynotceaseforatimetocommunicatewitheachotherbyletters？Whathadtheytocommunicate，indeed？Edmondwasinpossessionofthepriceofthemurder，andJacqueswasoccupiedincompletinghisconquestofmymother”sheart。
Iresumedmyargument；allthisgrantedagain，but，althoughM。
Massolwasignorantoftheessentialfactorinthecase，althoughhewasunawareofJacquesTermonde”spassionforthewifeofthemurderedman，myauntknewitwell，shehadinherhandsindisputableproofsofmyfather”ssuspicions；howcameshenottohavethoughtasIwasnowthinking。AndhowdidIknowthatshehadNOTthoughtjustasIwasthinking？Shehadbeentormentedbysuspicions，evenshe，too；shehadlivedanddiedhauntedbythem。
Theonlydifferencewasthatshehadincludedmymotherinthem，beingincapableofforgivingherthesufferingsofthebrotherwhomshelovedsodeeply。Toactagainstmymotherwastoactagainstme，soshehadforswornthatideaforever。Butifshewouldhaveactedagainstmymother，howcouldshehavegonebeyondthedomainofvagueinductions，sinceshe，nomorethanI，couldhavedivinedmystepfather”salibi，orknownoftheactualexistenceofEdmondTermonde？No；thatIshouldbethefirsttoexplainthemurderofmyfatherasIdid，provedonlythatIhadcomeintopossessionofadditionalinformationrespectingthesurroundingsofthecrime，andnotthattheconjecturesdrawnfromitwerebaseless。
Otherobjectionspresentedthemselves。Ifmystepfatherhademployedhisbrothertocommitthemurder，howcamehetorevealtheexistenceofthatbrothertohiswife？Ananswertothisquestionwasnotfartoseek。Ifthecrimehadbeencommittedunderconditionsofcomplicity，onlyoneproofofthefactcouldremain，namely，theletterswrittenbyJacquesTermondetoEdmond，inwhichtheformerrecalledthelattertoEuropeandgavehiminstructionsforhisjourney；theselettersEdmondhadofcoursepreserved，anditwasthroughthem，andbythethreatofshowingthemtomymother，thathekeptaholdoverhisbrother。Totellhiswifesomuchashehadtoldherwastoforestallandneutralizethisthreat，atleasttoacertainextent；for，ifthedoerofthedeedshouldeverresolveonrevealingthecommonsecrettothevictim”swidow，nowthewifeofhimwhohadinspiredit，thelatterwouldbeabletodenytheauthenticityoftheletters，topleadtheformerconfidencereposedinherrespectinghisbrother，andtopointoutthatthedenunciationwasanatrociousactofrevengeachievedbyaforgery。And，besides，ifindeedthecrimehadbeencommittedinthemannerthatIimagined，wasnotthatrevelationtomymotherjustifiedbyanotherreason？
TheremorsefulmoodsbywhichIbelievedmystepfathertobetorturedwerenotlikelytoescapetheobservantaffectionofhiswife；shecouldnotfailtoknowthattherewasadarkshadowonhislifewhichevenherlovecouldnotdispel。Whoknowsbutshehadsufferedfromtheworstofalljealousy，thatwhichisinspiredbyaconstantthoughtnotimparted，astrangeemotionhiddenfromone？Andhehadrevealedaportionofthetruthtohersoastospareheruneasinessofthatkind，andtoprotecthimselffromquestionswhichhisconsciencerenderedintolerabletohim。Therewasthennocontradictionbetweenthishalf-revelationmadetomymother，andmyowntheoryofthecomplicityofthetwobrothers。
Itwasalsocleartomethatinmakingthatrevelationhehadbeenunabletogobeyondacertainpointinurginguponherthenecessityofsilencetowardsme——silencewhichwouldneverhavebeenbrokenbutforherunforeseenemotion，butformyaffectionateentreaties，butforthesuddenarrivalofEdmondTermonde，whichhadliterallybewilderedthepoorwoman。Buthowwasmystepfather”simprudenceinrefusingmoneytothisbrother，whowasatbayandreadytodareanyandeverything，tobeexplained？
This，too，Isucceededinexplainingtomyself。Ithadhappenedbeforemyaunt”sdeath，ataperiodwhenmystepfatherbelievedhimselftobeguaranteedfromallriskonmyside。Hebelievedhimselftobeshelteredfromjusticebythestatuteoflimitations。
Hewasill。What，then，wasmorenaturalthanthatheshouldwishtorecoverthosepaperswhichmightbecomeameansoflevyingblackmailuponhiswidowafterhisdeath，anddishonoringhismemoryintheheartofthatwomanwhomhehadloved——eventocrime——
atanyprice？Suchanegotiationcouldonlybeconductedinperson。Mystepfatherwouldhavereflectedthathisbrotherwouldnotfulfilhisthreatwithoutmakingalastattempt；hewouldcometoParis，andtheaccompliceswouldagainbefacetofaceafteralltheseyears。AfreshbutfinalofferofmoneywouldhavetobemadetoEdmond，thepriceoftherelinquishmentofthesoleproofwherebythemysteryoftheImperialHotelcouldbeclearedup。InthiscalculationmystepfatherhadomittedtoforecastthechancethathisbrothermightcometothehotelontheBoulevarddeLatour-Maubourg，thathewouldbeusheredintomymother”spresence，andthattheresultoftheshocktohimself——hishealthbeingalreadyunderminedbyhisprolongedmentalanguish——wouldbeafreshattackofhismalady。Inevents，thereisalwaystheunexpectedtoputtorouttheskillfulcalculationsofthemostastuteandthemostprudent，andwhenIreflectedthatsomuchcunning，suchcontinualwatchfulnessoverhimselfandothershadallcometothis——unlessindeedthesesurmisesofminewerebutfallaciesofabraindisturbedbyfeverandtheconsumingdesireforvengeance——Ioncemorefeltthepassageofthewindofdestinyoverusall。
However，whetherrealityorfancy，theretheywere，andIcouldnotremaininignoranceorindoubt。Attheendofallmyvariousargumentsforandagainsttheprobabilityofmynewexplanationofthemystery，Iarrivedatapositivefact：rightlyorwronglyIhadconceivedthepossibilityofaplotinwhichEdmondTermondehadservedastheinstrumentofmurderinhisbrother”shand。Werethereonlyonesinglechance，oneagainstathousand，thatmyfatherhadbeenkilledinthisway，Iwasboundtofollowuptheclewtotheend，onpainofhavingtodespisemyselfastheveriestcowardthatlived。Thetimeofsorrowfuldreamingwasover；itwasnownecessarytoact，andtoactwastoknow。
Morningdawneduponthesethoughtsofmine。Iopenedmywindow，I
sawthefacesoftheloftyhouseslividinthefirstlightofday，andIsworesolemnlytomyself，inthepresenceofre-awakeninglife，thatthisdayshouldseemebegintodowhatIought，andthemorrowshouldseemecontinue，andthefollowingdaysshouldseethesame，untilIcouldsaytomyself：“Iamcertain。”
Iresolutelyrepressedthewildfeelingswhichhadtakenholdofmeduringthenight，andIfixedmymindupontheproblem：“DoesthereexistanymeansofmakingsurewhetherEdmondTermondeis，orisnot，identicalwiththemanwhoin1864calledhimselfRochdale？“
FortheanswertothisquestionIhadonlymyself，theresourcesofmyownintelligence，andmypersonalwilltorelyupon。Imustdomyselfthejusticetostatethatnotforoneminute，duringallthosecruelhours，wasItemptedtoridmyselfonceforallofthedifficultiesofmytragictaskbyappealingtojustice，asIshouldhavedonehadInottakenmymother”ssufferingsintoaccount。I
hadresolvedthattheterribleblowoflearningthatforfifteenyearsshehadbeenthewifeofanassassinshouldneverbedealttoherbyme。Inorderthatshemightalwaysremaininignoranceofthisstoryofcrime，itwasnecessaryforthestruggletobestrictlyconfinedtomystepfatherandmyself。
Andyet，Ithought，whatifIfindthatheisguilty？
Atthisidea，nolongervagueanddistant，butliabletoday，to-
morrow，atanytime，tobecomeanindisputabletruth，aterribleprojectpresenteditselftomymind。ButIwouldnotlookinthatdirection，Imadeanswertomyself：“Iwillthinkofthislateron，“andIforcedmyselftoconcentrateallmyreflectionsupontheactualdayanditsproblem：HowtoverifytheidentityofEdmondTermondewiththefalseRochdale？
Totearthesecretfrommystepfatherwasimpossible。Ihadvainlyendeavoredformonthstofindtheflawinhisarmorofdissimulation；Ihadbutbrokennotonedagger，buttwentyagainsttheplatesofthatcuirass。IfIhadhadallthetormentorsoftheMiddleAgesatmyservice，Icouldnothaveforcedhisfast-shutlipstoopen，orextortedanadmissionfromhiswoebegoneandyetimpenetrableface。
Thereremainedtheother；butinordertoattackhim，ImustfirstdiscoverunderwhatnamehewashidinginParis，andwhere。Nogreateffortofimaginationwasrequiredtohituponacertainmeansofdiscoveringtheseparticulars。IhadonlytorecallthecircumstancesunderwhichIhadlearnedthefactofEdmondTermonde”sarrivalinParis。Forsomereasonorother——remembranceofaguiltycomplicityorfearofascandal——mystepfathertrembledwithfearatthemereideaofhisbrother”sreturn。Hisbrotherhadreturned，andmystepfatherwouldundoubtedlymakeeveryefforttoinducehimtogoawayagain。Hewouldseehim，butnotatthehouseontheBoulevarddeLatour-Maubourg，onaccountofmymotherandtheservants。Ihad，therefore，asuremeansoffindingoutwhereEdmondTermondewasliving；Iwouldhavehisbrotherfollowed。
Thereweretwoalternatives：eitherhewouldarrangeameetinginsomelonelyplace，orhewouldgohimselftoEdmondTermonde”sabode。Inthelattercase，IshouldhavetheinformationIwantedatonce；intheformer，itwouldbesufficienttogivethedescriptionofEdmondTermondejustasIhadreceiveditfrommymother，andtohavehimalsofollowedonhisreturnfromtheplaceofmeeting。Thespy-systemhasalwaysseemedtometobeinfamous，andevenatthatmomentIfeltalltheignominyofsettingthistrapformystepfather；butwhenoneisfighting，onemustusetheweaponsthatwillavail。Toattainmyend，Iwouldhavetroddeneverythingunderfootexceptmymother”sgrief。
Andthen？SupposingmyselfinpossessionofthefalsenameofEdmondTermondeandhisaddress，WHATWASITODO？Icouldnot，inimitationofthepolice，laymyhanduponhimandhispapers，andgetoffwithprofuseexcusesfortheactionwhenthesearchwasfinished。Iremembertohaveturnedovertwentyplansinmymind，allmoreorlessingenious，andrejectedthemallinsuccession，concludingbyagainfixingmymindonthebarefacts。
Supposingthemanreallyhadkilledmyfather，itwasimpossiblethatthesceneofthemurdershouldnotbeindeliblyimpresseduponhismemory。Inhisdarkhoursthefaceofthedeadman，whomI
resembledsoclosely，musthavebeenvisibletohismind”seye。
OncemoreIstudiedtheportraitatwhichmystepfatherhadhardlydaredtoglance，andrecalledmyownwords：“Doyouthinkthelikenessissufficientlystrongformetohavetheeffectofaspecteruponthecriminal？“
Whynotutilizethisresemblance？IhadonlytopresentmyselfsuddenlybeforeEdmondTermonde，andcallhimbythename——
Rochdale——tohisearsitssyllableswouldhavethesoundofafuneralbell。Yes！thatwasthewaytodoit；togointotheroomhenowoccupied，justasmyfatherhadgoneintotheroomattheImperialHotel，andtoaskforhimbythenameunderwhichmyfatherhadaskedforhim，showinghimtheveryfaceofhisvictim。
Ifhewasnotguilty，Ishouldmerelyhavetoapologizeforhavingknockedathisdoorbymistake；ifhewasguilty，hewouldbesoterrifiedforsomeminutesthathisfearwouldamounttoanavowal。
Itwouldthenbeformetoavailmyselfofthatterrortowringthewholeofhissecretfromhim。
Whatmotiveswouldinspirehim？Two，manifestly——thefearofpunishment，andtheloveofmoney。Itwouldthenbenecessaryformetobeprovidedwithalargesumwhentakinghimunawares，andtolethimchoosebetweentwoalternatives，eitherthatheshouldsellmetheletterswhichhadenabledhimtoblackmailhisbrotherforyearspast，orthatIshouldshoothimonthespot。
Andwhatifherefusedtogiveuptheletterstome？Isitlikelythataruffianofhiskindwouldhesitate？
Well，then，hewouldacceptthebargain，handmeoverthepapersbywhichmystepfatherisconvictedofmurder，andtakehimselfoff；
andImustlethimgoawayjustashehadgoneawayfromtheImperialHotel，smokingacigar，andpaidforhistreacherytohisbrother，evenashehadbeenpaidforhistreacherytomyfather！
Yes，Imustlethimgoawaythus，becausetokillhimwithmyownhandwouldbetoplacemyselfunderthenecessityofrevealingthewholeofthecrime，whichIamboundtoconcealatallhazards。
“Ah，mother！whatwillyounotcostme！“Imurmuredwithtears。
Fixingmyeyesagainupontheportraitofthedeadman，itseemedtomethatIreadinitseyesandmouthaninjunctionnevertowoundtheheartofthewomanhehadsodearlyloved——evenforthesakeofavenginghim。“Iwillobeyyou，“Imadeanswertomyfather，andbadeadieutothatpartofmyvengeance。
Itwasveryhard，verycrueltomyself；nevertheless，itwaspossible；for，afterall，didIhatethewretchhimself？Hehadstrucktheblow，itistrue，butonlyasaserviletoolinthehandofanother。
Ah！thatother，IwouldnotletHIMescape，whenheshouldbeinmygrip；hewhohadconceived，meditated，arranged，andpaidforthedeed；hewhohadstolenallfromme，all，all，frommyfather”slifeeventomymother”slove；he，thereal，theonlyculprit。
Yes，Iwouldlayholdofhim，andcontriveandexecutemyvengeance，whilemymothershouldneversuspecttheexistenceofthatdueloutofwhichIshouldcometriumphant。IwasintoxicatedbeforehandwiththeideaofthepunishmentwhichIwouldfindmeanstoinflictuponthemanwhomIexecrated。Itwarmedmyheartonlytothinkofhowthiswouldrepaymylong，cruelmartyrdom。
“Towork！towork！“Icriedaloud。
Itrembledlestthisshouldbenothingbutadelusion，lestEdmondTermondeshouldhavealreadyleftthecountry，mystepfatherhavingpreviouslypurchasedhissilence。
Atnineo”clockIwasinanabominablePrivateInquiryOffice——
merelytohavepasseditsthresholdwouldhaveseemedtomeashamefulaction，onlyafewhoursbefore。AttenIwaswithmybroker，givinghiminstructionstosellout100，000francs”worthofsharesforme。Thatdaypassed，andthenasecond。HowIborethesuccessionofthehours，Iknownot。IdoknowthatIhadnotcouragetogotomymother”shouse，ortoseeheragain。Ifearedshemightdetectmywildhopeinmyeyes，andunconsciouslyforewarnmystepfatherbyasentenceoraword，asshehadunconsciouslyinformedme。
Towardsnoon，onthethirdday，Ilearnedthatmystepfatherhadgoneoutthatmorning。ItwasaWednesday，andonthatdaymymotheralwaysattendedameetingforsomecharitablepurposeintheGrenellequarter。M。Termondehadchangedhiscabtwice，andhadalightedfromthesecondvehicleattheGrandHotel。TherehehadpaidavisittoatravelerwhooccupiedaroomonthesecondfloorNo。353；thisperson”snamewasenteredinthelistofarrivalsasStanbury。AtnoonIwasinpossessionoftheseparticulars，andattwoo”clockIascendedthestaircaseoftheGrandHotel，withaloadedrevolverandanote-casecontainingonehundredbanknotes，wherewithtopurchasetheletters，inmypocket。
WasIabouttoenteronaformidablesceneinthedramaofmylife，orwasIabouttobeconvincedthatIhadbeenoncemoremadethedupeofmyownimagination？
Atallevents，Ishouldhavedonemyduty。
XII
Ihadreachedthesecondfloor。Atonecornerofthelongcorridortherewasanotificationthatthenumbersranfrom300to360。A
waiterpassedme，whistling；twogirlswerechatteringandlaughinginakindofofficeatthestair-head；thevariousnoisesofthecourtyardcameupthroughtheopenwindows。
Themomentwasopportunefortheexecutionofmyproject。Withthesepeopleaboutthemancouldnothopetoescapefromthehouse。
345，350，351，353——IstoodbeforethedoorofEdmondTermonde”sroom；thekeywasinthelock；chancehadservedmypurposebetterthanIhadventuredtohope。ThistriflingparticularborewitnesstothesecurityinwhichthemanwhomIwasabouttosurprisewasliving。WasheevenawarethatIexisted？
Ipausedamomentbeforethecloseddoor。Iworeashortcoat，soastohavemyrevolverwithineasyreachinthepocket，andIputmyrighthanduponit，openedthedoorwithmyleft，andenteredwithoutknocking。
“Whoisthere？“saidamanwhowaslyingratherthansittinginanarm-chair，withhisfeetonatable；hewasreadinganewspaperandsmoking，andhisbackwasturnedtothedoor。Hedidnottroublehimselftoriseandseewhosehandhadopenedthedoor，thinking，nodoubt，thataservanthadcomein；hemerelyturnedhisheadslightly，andIdidnotgivehimtimetolookcompletelyround。
“M。Rochdale？“Iasked。
Hestartedtohisfeet，pushedawaythechair，andrushedtotheothersideofthetable，staringatmewithaterrifiedcountenance；hislightblueeyeswereunnaturallydistended，hisfacewaslivid，hismouthwashalfopen，hislegsbentunderhim。
Histall，robustframehadsustainedoneofthoseshocksofexcessiveterrorwhichalmostparalyzetheforcesoflife。Heutteredbutoneword”Cornelis！“
AtlastIheldinmyvictorioushandtheproofthatIhadbeenseekingformonths，andinthatmomentIwasmasterofalltheresourcesofmybeing。Yes，Iwasascalm，asclearofpurpose，asmyadversarywasthereverse。Hewasnotaccustomedtolive，likehisaccomplice，inthedailyhabitsofstudieddissimulation。Thename，“Rochdale，“theterrifyinglikeness，theunlooked-forarrival！Ihadnotbeenmistakeninmycalculation。WiththeamazingrapidityofthoughtthataccompaniesactionIperceivedthenecessityoffollowingupthisfirstshockofmoralterrorbyashockofphysicalterror。Otherwise，themanwouldhurlhimselfuponme，inthemomentofreaction，thrustmeasideandrushawaylikeamadman，attheriskofbeingstoppedonthestairsbytheservants，andthen？ButIhadalreadytakenoutmyrevolver，andI
nowcoveredthewretchwithit，callinghimbyhisrealname，toprovethatIknewallabouthim。
“M。EdmondTermonde，“Isaid，“ifyoumakeonesteptowardsme，I
willkillyou，liketheassassinthatyouare，asyoukilledmyfather。”
Pointingtoachairatthecornerofthehalf-openwindow，Iadded：
“Sitdown！“
Heobeyedmechanically。AtthatinstantIexercisedabsolutecontroloverhim；butIfeltsurethiswouldceasesosoonasherecoveredhispresenceofmind。Buteventhoughtherestoftheinterviewwerenowtogoagainstme，thatcouldnotalterthecertaintywhichIhadacquired。IhadwantedtoknowwhetherEdmondTermondewasthemanwhohadcalledhimselfRochdale，andI
hadsecuredundeniableproofofthefact。Nevertheless，itwasduetomyselfthatIshouldextractfrommyenemytheproofofthetruthofallmyconjectures，thatproofwhichwouldplacemystepfatheratmymercy。Thiswasafreshphaseofthestruggle。
IglancedroundtheroominwhichIwasshutupwiththeassassin。
Onthebed，placedonmyleft，layaloadedcane，ahatandanovercoat；onasmalltablewereasteel“knuckle-duster“andarevolver。Amongthearticleslaidoutonachestofdrawersonmyrightabowie-knifewasconspicuous，avalisewasplacedagainstanunuseddoor，awardrobewithalooking-glassstoodbeforeanotherunuseddoor，thencamethetoilet-stand，andtheman，crouchingundertheaimofmyrevolver，betweenthetableandthewindow。Hecouldneitherescape，norreachtoanymeansofdefensewithoutapersonalstrugglewithme；buthewouldhavetostandmyfirefirst，andbesides，ifhewastallandrobust，Iwasneithershortorfeeble。Iwastwenty-five，hewasfifty。Allthemoralforceswereforme，Imustwin。
“Now，“saidI，asItookaseat，butwithoutreleasinghimfromthecoveringbarrelofmypistol，“letustalk。”
“Whatdoyouwantofme？“heaskedroughly。Hisvoicewasbothhoarseandmuffled；thebloodhadgonebackintohischeeks，hiseyes，thoseeyessoexactlylikehisbrother”s，sparkled。Thebrute-naturewasrevivinginhimafterhavingsustainedafearfulshock，asthoughastonishedthatitstilllived。
“Come，then，“headded，clenchinghisfists，“Iamcaught。Fireonme，andletthisend。”
Then，asImadehimnoanswer，butcontinuedtothreatenhimwithmypistol，heexclaimed：
“Ah！Iunderstand；itisthatblackguardJacqueswhohassoldmetoyouinordertogetridofmehimself。There”sthestatuteoflimitations——hethinksheissafe！Buthashetoldyouthathewasinithimself，good，honestman，andthatIhavetheproofofthis？
Ah！hethinksIamgoingtoletyoukillme，likethat，withoutspeaking？No，Ishallcallout，weshallbearrested，andallwillbeknown。”
Furyhadseizeduponhim；hewasabouttoshout“Help！“andtheworstofitwasthatragewasrisinginmealso。Itwashe，withthatsamehandwhichIsawcreepingalongthetable，strong，hairy，seekingsomethingtothrowatme——yes——itwashewhohadkilledmyfather。
OneimpulsemoreofangerandIwaslost；abulletwaslodgedinhisbody，andIsawhisbloodflow。Oh，whatgooditwouldhavedonemetoseethatsight！
Butno，Isoonmadethesacrificeofthisparticularvengeance。Inasecond，Ibeheldmyselfarrested，obligedtoexplaineverything，andmymotherexposedtoallthemiseryofit。
Happilyforme，healsohadanintervalofreflection。Thefirstideathatmusthaveoccurredtohimwasthathisbrotherhadbetrayedhim，bytellingmeone-halfofthetruth，soastodeliverhimuptomyvengeance。Thesecond，nodoubt，wasthat，forasonwhocametoavengehisdeadfather，Iwasmakingagooddealofdelayaboutit。Therewasamomentarysilencebetweenus。Thisallowedmetoregainmycoolness，andtosay：“Youaremistaken，“
soquietlythathisamazementwasvisibleinhisface。Helookedatme，thenclosedhiseyes，andknittedhisbrow。Ifeltthathecouldnotenduremyresemblancetomyfather。
“Yes，youaremistaken，“Icontinueddeliberately，givingthetoneofabusinessconversationtothisterribleinterview。“Ihavenotcomehereeithertohaveyouarrestedortokillyou。Unless，“I
added，“youobligemetodosoyourself，asIfearedjustnowyouwouldobligeme。Ihavecometoproposeabargaintoyou，butitisontheconditionthatyoulisten，asIshallspeak，withcoolness。”
Oncemorewewerebothsilent。Inthecorridor，almostatthedooroftheroom，thereweresoundsoffeet，voices，andpealsoflaughter。Thiswasenoughtorecallmetothenecessityofcontrollingmyself，andhimtotheconsciousnessthathewasplayingadangerousgame。Ashot，acry，andsomeonewouldentertheroom，foritopeneduponthecorridor。EdmondTermondehadheardmewithextremeattention；agleamofhope，succeededbyasingularlookofsuspicion，hadpassedoverhisface。
“Makeyourconditions，“saidhe。
“IfIhadintendedtokillyou，“Iresumed，soastoconvincehimofmysinceritybytheevidenceofhissenses，“youwouldbedeadalready。”Iraisedtherevolver。“IfIhadintendedtohaveyouarrested，Iwouldnothavetakenthetroubletocomeheremyself；
twopolicemenwouldhavebeensufficient，foryoudon”tforgetthatyouareadeserter，andstillamenabletothelaw。”
“True，“herepliedsimply，andthenadded，followingoutamentalargumentwhichwasofvitalimportancetotheissueofourinterview：
“IfitisnotJacques，thenwhoisitthathassoldme？“
“Iheldyouatmydisposal，“Icontinued，withoutnoticingwhathehadsaid，“andIhavenotavailedmyselfofthat。ThereforeIhadastrongreasonforsparingyouyesterday，ereyesterday，thismorning，alittlewhileago，atthepresentmoment；anditdependsuponyourselfwhetherIspareyoualtogether。”
“Andyouwantmetobelieveyou，“heanswered，pointingtomyrevolverwhichIstillcontinuedtoholdinmyhand，butnolongercoveringhimwithit。“No，no，“andheadded，withanexpressionwhichsmackedofthebarrack-room，“Idon”ttumbletothatsortofthing。”
“Listentome，“saidI，nowassumingatoneofextremecontempt。
“ThepowerfulmotivewhichIhavefornotshootingyoulikeamaddog，youshalllearn。Idonotchoosethatmymothershouldeverknowwhatamanshemarriedinyourbrother。DoyounowunderstandwhyIresolvedtoletyougo？Providedyouareofthesamemind，however；foreventheideaofmymotherwouldnotstopme，ifyoupushedmetoofar。Iwilladd，foryourguidance，thatthelimitationbywhichyousupposedyourselftobesafefrompursuitforthemurderin1864hasbeentraversed；youarethereforestakingyourheadatthismoment。Fortenyearspastyouhavebeensuccessfullylevyingblackmailonyourbrother。Idonotsupposeyouhavemerelyplayeduponthechordoffraternallove。WhenyoucamefromAmericatoassumethepersonalityofRochdale，itwasclearlynecessarythatheshouldsendyousomeinstructions。Youhavekeptthoseletters。Iofferyouonehundredthousandfrancsforthem。”
“Sir，“herepliedslowly，andhistoneshowedmethatforthemomenthehadrecoveredhisself-control，“howcanyouimaginethatIshouldtakesuchaproposalseriously？Admittingthatanysuchletterswereeverwritten，andthatIhadkeptthem，whyshouldI
giveupadocumentofthiskindtoyou？WhatsecurityshouldI
havethatyouwouldnothavemelaidbytheheelsthemomentafter！
Ah！“hecried，lookingmestraightintheface，“youknownothing！
Thatname！Thatlikeness！IdiotthatIam，youhavetrickedme。”
Hisfaceturnedcrimsonwithrage，andheutteredanoath。
“Youshallpayforthis！“hecried；andatthesameinstant，whenhewasnolongercoveredbymypistol，hepushedthetableuponmesoviolently，thatifIhadnotsprungbackwardsImusthavebeenthrowndown；buthealreadyhadtimetoflinghimselfuponmeandseizemeroundthebody。Happilyformetheviolenceoftheattackhadknockedthepistoloutofmyhands，sothatIcouldnotbetemptedtouseit，andastrugglebeganbetweenusinwhichnotonewordwasspokenbyeither。
Withhisfirstrushhehadflungmetotheground；butIwasstrong，andthestrangepremonitionsofdanger，fromwhichI
sufferedinmyyouth，hadledmetodevelopallmyphysicalenergyandadroitness。
Ifelthisbreathonmyface，hisskinuponmyskin，hismusclesstrivingagainstmine，andatthesametimethedreadthatourconflictmightbeoverheardgavemethecoolnesswhichhehadlost。
Afterafewminutesofthistussle，andjustashisstrengthwasfailing，hefastenedhisteethinmyshouldersosavagelythatthepainofthebitemaddenedme。Iwrenchedoneofmyarmsfromhisgraspandseizedhimbythethroatattheriskofchokinghim。I
heldhimundermenow，andIstruckhisbeadagainstthefloorasthoughImeanttosmashit。Heremainedmotionlessforaminute，andIthoughtIhadkilledhim。Ifirstpickedupmypistol，whichhadrolledawaytothedoor，andthenbathedhisforeheadwithwaterinordertorevivehim。
WhenIcaughtsightofmyselfintheglass，withmycoat-collartorn，myfacebruised，mycravatinrags，IshudderedasifIhadseenthespecterofanotherAndreCornelis。Theignoblenatureofthisadventurefilledmewithdisgust；butitwasnotaquestionoffine-gentlemanfastidiousness。Myenemywascomingtohimself，I
mustendthis。IknewinmyconscienceIhaddoneallthatwaspossibletofulfillmyvowinregardtomymother。Theblamemustfallupondestiny。thewretchhadhalf-raisedhimself，andwaslookingatme；Ibentoverhim，andputthebarrelofmyrevolverwithinahair”sbreadthofhistemple。
“Thereisstilltime，“Isaid。“IgiveyoufiveminutestodecideuponthebargainwhichIproposedtoyoujustnow；theletters，andonehundredthousandfrancs，withyourliberty；ifnot，abulletinyourhead。Choose。Iwishedtospareyouonaccountofmymother；
butIwillnotlosemyvengeancebothways。Ishallbearrested，yourpaperswillbesearched，theletterswillbefound，itwillbeknownthatIhadarighttoshootyou。Mymotherwillgomadwithgrief；butIshallbeavenged。Ihavespoken。Youhavefiveminutes，notonemore。”
Nodoubtmyfaceexpressedinvincibleresolution。Theassassinlookedatthatface，thenattheclock。Hetriedtomakeamovement，butsawthatmyfingerwasabouttopressthetrigger。
“Iyield，“hesaid。
Iorderedhimtorise，andheobeyedme。
“Wherearetheletters？“
“Whenyouhavethem，“heimplored，withtheterrorofatrappedbeastinhisabjectface，“youwillletmegoaway？“
“Iswearit，“Ianswered；and，asIsawdoubtanddreadinhisquailingeyes，Iadded，“bythememoryofmyfather。Wherearetheletters？“
“There。”
Hepointedtoavaliseinacorneroftheroom。
“Hereisthemoney。”
Iflunghimthenote-casewhichcontainedit。Isthereasortofmoralmagnetisminthetoneofcertainwordsandincertainexpressionsofcountenance？WasitthenatureoftheoathwhichI
hadjusttaken，sodeeplyimpressiveatthatmoment，orhadthismansufficientstrengthofmindtosaytohimselfthathissinglechanceofsafetyresidedinbeliefinmygoodfaith？Howeverthatmaybe，hedidnothesitateforamoment；heopenedtheiron-boundvalise，tookoutayellow-leatherboxwithapatentlock，and，havingopenedit，flungitscontents——alargesealedenvelope-tome，exactlyasIhadflungthebanknotestohim。I，too，formypart，hadnotamoment”sfearthathewouldproduceaweaponfromthevaliseandattackmewhileIwasverifyingthecontentsoftheenvelope。Theseconsistedofthreelettersonly；thetwofirstborethedoublestampofParisandNewYork，thethirdthoseofNewYorkandLiverpool，andallthreeboretheJanuaryorFebruarypost-marksoftheyear1864。
“Isthatall？“heasked。
“Notyet，“Ianswered；“youmustundertaketoleaveParisthiseveningbythefirsttrain，withouthavingseenyourbrotherorwrittentohim。”
“Ipromise；andthen？“
“Whenwashetocomebackheretoseeyou？“
“OnSaturday，“heanswered，withashrugofhisshoulders。“Thebargainwasconcluded。HewasdeterminedtowaituntilthedaycameformetosetoutforHavrebeforepayingmethemoney，sothathemightmakequitesureIshouldnotstayoninParis——Thegameisup，“headded，“andnowIwashmyhandsofit。”
“EdmondTermonde，“saidI，rising，butnotloosinghimfromtheholdofmyeye，“rememberthatIhavesparedyou；butyoumustnottemptmeasecondtimebyputtingyourselfinmyway，orcrossingthepathofanywhomIlove。”
Then，withathreateninggesture，Iquittedtheroom，leavinghimseatedatthetablenearthewindow。Ihadhardlyreachedthecorridorwhenmynerves，whichhadbeensostrangelyundermycontrolduringthestruggle，failedme。Mylegsbentunderme，andIfearedIwasabouttofall。HowwasItoaccountforthedisorderofmyclothes？Imadeagreateffort，concealedthetornendsofmycravat，turnedupthecollarofmycoattohidetheconditionofmyshirt，anddidmybesttorepairthedamagethathadbeendonetomyhat。Ithenwipedmyfacewithmyhandkerchief，andwentdownstairswithaslowandcarelessstep。
Theinspectorofthefirstfloorwas，doubtless，occupiedattheotherendofthecorridor；buttwoofthewaiterssawmeandwereevidentlysurprisedatmyaspect。Theywere，however，toobusy，luckilyforme，tostopmeandinquireintothecauseofmydiscomposure。AtlastIreachedthecourtyard。Ifanybodywhoknewmehadbeenthere？Igotintothefirstcabandgavemyaddress。Ihadkeptmyword。Ihadconquered。
Iamafraidtokill；buthadIbeenborninItaly，inthefifteenthcentury，wouldIhavehesitatedtopoisonmyfather”smurderer？
WouldIhavehesitatedtoshoothim，hadIbeenborninCorsicafiftyyearsago？AmIthennothingbutacivilizedperson，awretchedandimpotentdreamer，whowouldfainact，butshrinksfromsoilinghishandsintheaction？IforcedmyselftocontemplatethedilemmainwhichIstood，initsabsolute，imperative，inevitabledistinctness。Imusteitheravengemyfatherbyhandingoverhismurderertobedealtwithbythelaw，sinceM。Massolhadprudentlyfulfilledalltheformalitiesnecessarytobarthelimitation，orImustbemyownministerofjustice。Therewasathirdalternative；thatIshouldsparethemurderouswretch，allowhimtoliveoninoccupationofhisvictim”splaceinmymother”shome，fromwhichhehaddrivenme；butatthethoughtofthismyragerevived。Thescruplesofthecivilizedmandidindeedgivehimpause；butthathesitationdidnothinderthesavage，whoslumbersinusall，fromfeelingtheappetiteforretaliationwhichstirstheanimalnatureofman——allhisflesh，andallhisblood——
ashungerandthirststirit。“Well，then，“saidItomyself，“I
willassassinatemystepfather，sincethatistherightword。Washeafraidtoassassinatemyfather？Hekilled；heshallbekilled。
Aneyeforaneye，atoothforatooth；thatistheprimitivelaw，andalltherestisalie。”
Eveninghadcomewhilethisstrifewasraginginmysoul。IwaslaboringunderexcitementwhichcontrastedstrangelywiththecalmnessIhadfeltafewhourspreviously，whenascendingthestairsintheGrandHotel。Thesituationalsohadundergoneachange；thenIwaspreparingforastruggle，akindofduel；IwasabouttoconfrontamanwhomIhadtoconquer，toattackhimfacetofacewithoutanytreachery，andIhadnotflinched。Itwasthemeanhypocrisyofclandestinemurderthathadmademeshrinkfromtheideaofkillingmystepfather，byluringhimintoasnare。I
hadcontrolledthistremblingthefirsttime；butIwasafraidofitscomingagain，andthatIshouldhaveasleeplessnight，andbeunfittoactnextdaywiththecoolcalmnessIdesired。
IfeltthatIcouldnotbearsuspense；onthemorrowImustact。
TheplanonwhichIshoulddecide，beitwhatitmight，mustbeexecutedwithinthetwenty-fourhours。
Thebestmeansofcalmingmynerveswasbymakingabeginningnow，atonce；bydoingsomethingbeforehandtoguardagainstsuspicion。
Idetermineduponlettingmyselfbeseenbypersonswhocouldbearwitness，ifnecessary，thattheyhadseenme，careless，easy，almostgay。Idressedandwentout，intendingtodineataplacewhereIwasknown，andtopassthemostofthenightattheclub。
WhenIwasintheAvenuedesChamps-Elysees，crowdedwithcarriagesandpeopleonfoot——theMayeveningwasdelicious——Isharedthephysicalsensationofthejoyofliving，whichwasabroadintheair。Theskyquiveredwiththeinnumerablethrobsofthestars，andtheyoungleavesshookatthetouchofaslowandgentlebreeze。Garlandsoflightilluminedthevariouspleasure-gardens。
Ipassedinfrontofarestaurantwherethetablesextendedtotheedgeofthefootpath，andyoungmenandwomenwerefinishingtheirdinnergaily。
Thecontrastbetweenthespring-festivalaspectofParisandthetragedyofmyowndestinycamehometometoostrongly。WhathadI
donetoFatetodeservethatIshouldbetheoneonlyperson，amidallthiscrowd，condemnedtosuchanexperience？Whyhadmypathbeencrossedbyamancapableofpushingpassiontothepointofcrime，inasocietyinwhichpassionisordinarilysomild，soharmless，andsolukewarm？Probablytheredidnotexistinallthe“good“societyofParisfourpersonswithdaringenoughtoconceivesuchaplanasthatwhichJacquesTermondehadexecutedwithsuchcooldeliberationundertheinfluenceofhispassion。Andthisvillain，whocouldlovesointensely，wasmystepfather！
Oncemorethebreathoffatality，whichhadalreadythrilledmewithakindofmysterioushorror，passedoverme，andIfeltthatI
couldnolongerbearthesightofthehumanface。Turningmybackuponthelit-up，noisyquarteroftheChampsElysees，IwalkedontowardstheArcdeTriomphe。WithoutthinkingaboutitItooktheroadtotheBois，boretotherighttoavoidthevehicles，andturnedintooneoftheloneliestpaths。HadIunconsciouslyobeyedoneofthosealmostanimalimpulsesofmemory，whichbringusbacktowaysthatwehavealreadytrodden？Bythesoft，bluishlightofthespringmoonIrecognizedtheplacewhereIhadwalkedwithmystepfatherinthewinter，ontheoccasionofourfirstdrivetotheBois。ItwasonthatdayIobligedhimtolooktheportraitofhisvictimintheface，onthatdayhecametomeonthepretextofaskingfortheReviewwhichmymotherhadlentme。InmythoughtsIbeheldhim，ashethenwas，andrecalledthestrangepitywhichhadstirredmyheartatthesightofhim，sosad，broken-down，and，sotospeak，conquered。Hestoodbeforeme，inthelightofthatremembrance，aslivingandrealasifhehadbeenthere，closebesideme，andtheacutesensationofhisexistencemademefeelatthesametimeallthesignificationofthosefearfulandmysteriouswords：tokill。Tokill？Iwasgoingtokillhim，inafewhoursitmightbe，atthelatestinafewdays。
Iheardvoices，andIwithdrewintotheshade。Twoformspassedme，ayoungmanandagirl，lovers，whodidnotseeme。Themoonlightfelluponthem，astheywentontheirway，handinhand。
Iburstintotears，andweptlong，unrestrainedly；forItoowasyoung；inmyhearttherewasafloodofpent-uptenderness，andhereIwas，onthisperfumed，moonlit，starlitnight，crouchinginadarkcorner，meditatingmurder！
No，notmurder，anexecution。Hasmystepfatherdeserveddeath？
Yes。Istheexecutionerwholetsdowntheknifeontheneckofthecondemnedcriminaltobecalledanassassin？No！Well，thenI
shallbetheexecutionerandnothingelse。IrosefromthebenchwhereIhadshedmylasttearsofresolutionandcowardice——forthusIregardedthosehottearstowhichInowappeal，asalastproofthatIwasnotbornforwhatIhavedone。
WhilewalkingbacktoParis，Imultipliedandreiteratedmyarguments。SometimesIsucceededinsilencingavoicewithinme，strongerthanmyreasoningandmylongingforvengeance，avoicewhichpronouncedthewordsformerlyutteredbymyaunt：“Vengeanceismine，saiththeLordGod。”AndiftherebenoGod？Andiftherebe，isnotthefaultHis，forHehasletthisthingbe？Yes，suchweremywildwordsandthoughts；andthenallthesescruplesofmyconscienceappearedtomemerevain，futilequibbles，fittingforphilosophersandconfessors。
Thereremainedoneindisputable，absolutefact；Icouldnotendurethatthemurdererofmyfathershouldcontinuetobethehusbandofmymother。
Therewasasecondnolessevidentfact；Icouldnotplacethismaninthehandsofjusticewithout，probably，killingmymotheronthespot，or，quitecertainly，layingherwholelifewaste。ThereforeIwouldhavetobemyowntribunal，judge，andexecutionerinmyowncause。Whatmatteredtometheargumentsfororagainst？I
wasboundtogiveheedfirsttomyfinalinstinct，anditcriedouttome“Kill！“
Iwalkedfast，keepingmymindfixedonthisideawithakindoftragicpleasure，forIfeltthatmyirresolutionwasgone，andthatIshouldact。Allofasudden，asIcameclosetotheArcdeTriomphe，Irememberedhow，onthatveryspot，Ihadmetoneofmyclubcompanionsforthelasttime。Heshothimselfthenextday。
Whydidthisremembrancesuddenlysuggesttomeaseriesofnewthoughts？
Istoppedshortwithabeatingheart。Ihadcaughtaglimpseofthewayofsafety。FoolthatIhadbeen，ledawayasusualbyanundisciplinedimagination！Mystepfathershoulddie。Ihadsentencedhiminthenameofmyinalienablerightasanavengingson；butcouldInotcondemnhimtodiebyhisownhand？HadInotthatinmypossessionwhichwoulddrivehimtosuicide？IfIwenttohimwithoutanymorereservesorcircumlocution，andifIsaidtohim，“Iholdtheproofthatyouarethemurdererofmyfather。
Igiveyouthechoice——eitheryouwillkillyourself，orIdenounceyoutomymother，“whatwouldhisanswerbe？He，wholovedhiswifewiththatreciprocateddevotionbywhichIhadsufferedsomuch，wouldheconsentthatsheshouldknowthetruth，thatsheshouldregardhimasabase，cowardlyassassin？No，never；hewouldratherdie。
Myheart，wearyandwornwithpain，rushedtowardsthisdoorofhope，sosuddenlyopened。“Ishallhavedonemyduty，“Ithought，“andIshallhavenobloodonmyhands。Myconsciencewillnotbestained。”Iexperiencedanimmenserelieffromtheweightofforeseenremorsethathadcausedmesuchagony，andIwentondrawingapictureofthefuture，freedatlastfromonedarkimagewhichhadveiledthesunshineofmyyouth。“Hewillkillhimself；
mymotherwillweepforhim；butIshallbeabletodryhertears。
Herheartwillbleed，butIwillhealthewoundwiththebalmofmytenderness。Whentheassassinisnolongerthere，sheandIwillliveoveragainallthedeartimethathestolefromus，andthenI
shallbeabletoshowherhowIloveher。ThecaresseswhichIdidnotgiveherwhenIwasachild，becausetheotherfrozemebyhismerepresence，Iwillgiveherthen；thewordswhichIdidnotspeak，thetenderwordsthatwerestoppeduponmylips，sheshallhearthen。WewillleaveParis，andgetridofthesesadremembrances。Wewillretiretosomequietspot，far，faraway，whereshewillhavenonebutme，Inonebuther，andIwilldevotemyselftoheroldage。WhatdoIwantwithanyotherlove，withanyothertie？Sufferingsoftenstheheart；hergriefwillmakeherlovememore。Ah！howhappyweshallbe。”Butoncemorethevoicewithinresumed：“Whatifthewretchrefusetokillhimself？
WhatifhewerenottobelievemewhenIthreatentodenouncehim？“
HadInotbeenactingformonthsashisaccompliceinmaintainingthedeceitpracticeduponmymother？DidhenotknowhowmuchI
lovedher，hewhohadbeenjealousofmeasherson，asIhadbeenjealousofhimasherhusband？Wouldhenotanswer：“Denounceme！“
beingwellassuredthatIwouldnotdealsuchablowatthepoorwoman？TotheseobjectionsIreplied，that，whereasIhadsuspectedpreviously，nowIknew。No，hewillnotbeentirelyconvincedthattheevidenceIholdwillmakemedareeverything。
Wellthen，ifherefuse，Ishallhaveattemptedtheimpossibletoavoidmurder——letdestinybeaccomplished！
XIII
Itwasfouro”clockintheafternoononthefollowingday，whenI
presentedmyselfatthehotelontheBoulevarddeLatour-Maubourg。
Iknewthatmymotherwouldmostprobablybeout。IalsothoughtitlikelymystepfatherwouldhefeelingnonethebetterofhisearlyexcursiontotheGrandHotelonthepreviousday，andI
thereforehopedtofindhimathome，perhapsinhisbed。Iwasright；mymotherwasout，andhehadremainedathome。Hewasinhisstudy，theroominwhichourfirstexplanationhadtakenplace。
ThatuponwhichIwasnowbentwasoffargreaterimportance，andyetIwaslessagitatedthanontheformeroccasion。AtlastIwascompletelycertainofthefacts，andwiththatcertaintyastrangecalmnesshadcometome。Icanrecallmyhavingtalkedforafewmomentswiththeservantwhoannouncedme，aboutachildofhiswhowasill。Ialsoremembertohaveobservedforthefirsttimethatthesmokychimneyofsomemanufacturingworksatthebackofthegarden，built，nodoubt，duringthelastwinter，wasvisiblethroughthewindowofthestaircase。
IrecordthesethingsbecauseIamboundtorecognizethatmymindwasquiteclearandfree——forIwillbesinceretotheend——whenI
enteredthespaciousroom。
Mystepfatherwasreclininginadeeparmchairatthefarsideofthefireplace，andoccupiedincuttingthepagesofanewbookwithadagger。Thebladeofthisweaponwasbroad，short，andstrong。
HehadbroughttheknifebackfromSpain，withseveralotherkindsofarms，whichlayaboutintheroomshehabituallyoccupied。I
nowunderstoodtheorderofideaswhichthissingulartasteindicated。Hewasdressedforwalking；buthisalteredlooksborewitnesstotheintensityofthecrisisthroughwhichhehadpassed。
Ithadaffectedhiswholebeing。
Verylikelymyfacewasexpressiveofanextraordinaryresolution，forIsawbyhiseyes，asourlooksmet，thathehadreadthedepthsofmythoughtsataglance。Nevertheless，hesaid：“Ah，isityou，Andre？Itisverykindofyoutocome，“thusexhibitingoncemorethepowerofhisself-control，andheputouthishand。
Ididnottakeit，andmyrefusal，contrastingwithhisgestureofwelcome，thesilencewhichIkeptforsomeminutes，thecontractionofmyfeatures，and，nodoubt，themenaceinmyeyes，entirelyenlightenedhimastothemoodinwhichIcametohim。Veryquietly，helaiddownhisbookandtheSpanishknifehehadbeenusing，onalargetablewithinhisreach，andthenherosefromhischair，leanedhisbackagainstthemantelpiece，andcrossinghisarms，lookedatmewiththehaughtystareIknewsowell，andwhichhadsooftenhumiliatedmeinmyboyhood。Iwasthefirsttobreakthesilence；replyingtohispolitegreetinginaharshtone，andlookinghimstraightintheface，Isaid：
“Thetimeofliesispast。YouhaveguessedthatIknowall？“
Hebenthisbrowsintothesternfrownhealwaysassumedwhenhefeltangerhewasboundtosuppress，hiseyesmetminewithindomitablepride，andhemerelyreplied：
“Idonotunderstandyou。”
“Youdonotunderstandme？Verywell，Iamabouttoenlightenyou。”Myvoiceshookinutteringthesewords；mycoolnesswasforsakingme。Thedaybefore，andinmyconversationwiththebrother，Ihadcomeincontactwiththevileinfamyofaknaveandacoward；buttheenemywhomIwasnowfacing，althoughagreaterscoundrelthantheother，foundmeanstopreserveasortofmoralsuperiority，eveninthatterriblehourwhenheknewwellhewasfacetofacewithhiscrime。
Yes，thismanwasacriminal，butofagrandkind，andtherewasnocowardiceinhim。Pridesatuponthatbrowsoladenwithdarkthoughts，butfearsetnomarkuponit，anymorethandidrepentance。Inhiseyes——exactlylikethoseofhisbrother——afierceresolutionshone；Ifeltthathewoulddefendhimselftotheend。Hewouldyieldtoevidenceonly，andsuchstrengthofminddisplayedatsuchamomenthadtheeffectofexasperatingme。Thebloodflewtomyhead，andmyheartbeatrapidly，asIwenton：
“Allowmetotakeupthematteralittlefartherback。In1864，therewasinParisamanwholovedthewifeofhismostintimatefriend。Althoughthatfriendwasverytrusting，verynoble，veryeasilyduped，hebecameawareofthislove，andhebegantosufferfromit。Hegrewjealous——althoughheneverdoubtedhiswife”spurityofheart——jealousaseveryoneiswholovestoowell。
“Themanwhowastheobjectofhisjealousyperceivedit，understoodthathewasabouttobeforbiddenthehouse，knewthatthewomanwhomhelovedwouldneverdegradeherselfbylisteningtoalover，andthisistheplanwhichbeconceived：
“Hehadabrothersomewhereinadistantland，aninfamousscoundrelwhowassupposedtobedead，acreaturesunkinshame，athief，aforger，adeserter，andhebethoughthimofthisbrotherasaninstrumentreadytohishandwherewithtoridhimselfofthefriendwhostoodinthewayofhispassion。Hesentforthefellowsecretly，heappointedtomeethiminoneoftheloneliestcornersofParis——inastreetadjoiningtheJardindesPlantes，andatnight——youseeIamwellinformed。Itiseasytoimaginehowhepersuadedtheformerthieftoplaythepartofbravo。Afewmonthsafter，thehusbandwasassassinatedbythisbrother，whoeludedjustice。Thefelon-friendmarriedalmostimmediatelythewomanwhomheloved；heisnowamaninsociety，wealthyandrespected，andhispureandpiouswifeloves，admires，nay，worshipshim。Doyounowbegintounderstand？“
“Nomorethanbefore，“heanswered，withthesameimpassiveface。
Hedidwellnottoflinch。WhatIhadsaidmightbeonlyanattempttowresthissecretfromhimbyfeigningtoknowall。
Nevertheless，thedetailconcerningtheplacewherehehadappointedtomeethisbrotherhadmadehimstart。Thatwasthespottohit，andquickly。
“Thecowardlyassassin，“Icontinued，“yes，thecoward，becausehedarednotcommitthecrimehimself，hadcarefullycalculatedallthecircumstancesofthemurder；buthehadreckonedwithoutcertainlittleaccidents，forinstance，thathisbrotherwouldkeepthethreelettershehadreceived，thefirsttwoatNewYork，thelastatLiverpool，andwhichcontainedinstructionsrelatingtothestagesofthisclandestinejourney。Neitherhadhetakenintoaccountthatthesonofhisvictimwouldgrowup，wouldbecomeaman，wouldconceivecertainsuspicionsofthetruecauseofhisfather”sdeath，andwouldsucceedinprocuringoverwhelmingproofofthedarkconspiracy。Come，then，“Iaddedfiercely，“offwiththemask！M。JacquesTermonde，itisyouwhohadmyunhappyfatherkilledbyyourbrotherEdmond。IhaveinmypossessionthelettersyouwrotehiminJanuary，1864，toinducehimtocometoEurope，firstunderthefalsenameofRochesterandafterwardsunderthatofRochdale。Itisnotworthyourwhiletoplaytheindignantortheastonishedwithme——thegameisup。”
Hehadturnedfrightfullypale；buthisarmsstillremainedcrossed，andhisboldeyesdidnotdroop。HemadeonelastattempttoparrythestraightblowIhadaimedathim，andhehadthehardihoodtosay：
“HowmuchdidthatwretchEdmondaskasthepriceoftheforgerywhichhefabricatedinrevengeformyrefusaltogivehimmoney？“
“Besilent，you”saidIstillmorefiercely。“Isittomethatyoudaretospeakthus——tome？DidIneedthoselettersinordertolearnall？Havewenotknownforweekspast，I，thatyouhadcommittedthecrime，andyou，thatIhaddivinedyourguilt？WhatIstillneededwasthewritten，indisputable，undeniableproof，thatwhichcanbelaidbeforeamagistrate。Yourefusedhimmoney？
Youwereabouttogivehimmoney，onlythatyoumistrustedhim，andchosetowaituntilthedayofhisdeparture。YoudidnotsuspectthatIwasuponyourtrack。ShallItellyouwhenitwasyousawhimforthelasttime？Yesterday，atteno”clockinthemorning，youwentout，youchangedyourcabfirstatthePlacedelaConcorde，andasecondtimeatthePalaisRoyal。YouwenttotheGrandHotel，andyouaskedwhetherMr。Stanburywasinhisroom。A
fewhourslaterI，myself，wasinthatsameroom。Ah！howmuchdidEdmondTermondeaskfrommefortheletters？Why，Itorethemfromhim，pistolinhand，afterastruggleinwhichIwasnearlykilled。
Youseenowthatyoucandeceivemenomore，andthatitisnolongerworthyourwhiletodeny。”
Ithoughthewasabouttodropdeadbeforeme。Hisfacechanged，untilitwashardlyhuman，asIwenton，on，on，pilinguptheexactfacts，trackinghisfalsehood，asonetracksawildbeast，andprovingtohimthathisbrotherhaddefendedhimselfafterhisfashion，evenashehaddone。Heclaspedhishandsabouthishead，whenIceasedtospeak，asthoughtocompressthemaddeningthoughtswhichrusheduponhim；then，oncemorelookingmeintheface，butthistimewithinfinitedespairinhiseyes，heutteredexactlythesamesentenceashisbrotherhadspoken，butwithquiteanotherexpressionandtone：
“Thishourtoowasboundtocome。Whatdoyouwantfrommenow？“
“Thatyoushoulddojusticeonyourself，“Ianswered。“Youhavetwenty-fourhoursbeforeyou。If，to-morrowatthishour，youarestillliving，Iplacethelettersinmymother”shands。”
EverysortoffeelingwasdepicteduponhislividfacewhileI
placedthisultimatumbeforehim，inafirmvoicewhichadmittedofnofartherdiscussion。Iwasstandingup，andIleanedagainstthelargetable；hecametowardsme，withasortofdeliriuminhiseyesastheystrovetomeetmine。
“No，“hecried，“no，Andre，notyet！Pityme，Andre，pityme！Seenow，Iamacondemnedman，Ihavenotsixmonthstolive。Yourrevenge！Ah！youhadnoneedtoundertakeit。What！IfIhavedoneaterribledeed，doyouthinkIhavenotbeenpunishedforit？
Lookatme，onlylookatme；Iamdyingofthisfrightfulsecret。
Itisallover；mydaysarenumbered。Thefewthatremain，leave，oh，leavethemtome！Understandthis，Iamnotafraidtodie；buttokillmyself，togoaway，leavingthisgrieftoherwhomyouloveasIdo！Itistruethat，towinher，Ihavedoneanatrociousdeed；butsay，answer，hasthereeverbeenanhour，aminutesince，inwhichherhappinesswasnotmyonlyaim？Andyouwouldhavemeleaveherthus，inflictuponherthetormentofthinkingthatwhileImighthavegrownoldbyherside，Ipreferredtogoaway，toforsakeherbeforethetime？No，Andre——thislastyear，leaveittome！Ah，leaveittome，leaveittous，forIassureyouthatI
amhopelesslyill，thatIknowit，thatthedoctorshavenothiddenitfromme。Inafewmonths——fixadate——ifthediseasehasnotcarriedmeoff，youcancomeback。ButIshallbedead。Shewillweepforme，withoutthehorrorofthatideathatIhaveforestalledmyhour，shewhoissopious！Youonlywillbetheretoconsoleher，toloveher。Havepityuponher，ifnotuponme。
See，Ihavenomorepridetowardsyou，Ientreatyouinhername，inthenameofherdearheart，forwellyouknowitstenderness。
Youloveher，Iknowthat；Ihaveguessedtrulythatyouhidyoursuspicionstospareherpain。Itellyouonceagain，mylifeisahell，andIwouldjoyfullygiveittoyouinexpiationofwhatI
havedone；butshe，Andre，she，yourmother，whohasnever，nevercherishedathoughtthatwasnotpureandnoble，no，donotinflictthistortureuponher。”
“Words，words！“Ianswered，movedtothebottomofmysoulinspiteofmyself，bytheoutburstofananguishinwhichIwasforcedtorecognizesincerity。“ItisbecausemymotherisnobleandpurethatIwillnothaveherremainthewifeofavilemurdererforadaylonger。Youshallkillyourself，orsheshallknowall。”
“Doitthenifyoudare，“hereplied，withareturntothenaturalprideofhischaracter，attheferocityofmyanswer。“Doitifyoudare！Yes，sheismywife，yes，shelovesme；goandtellher，andkillheryourselfwiththewords。Ha，yousee！Youturnpaleatthemerethought。Ihaveallowedyoutolive，yes，I，onaccountofher，anddoyousupposeIdonothateyouasmuchasyouhateme？Nevertheless，Ihaverespectedyoubecauseyouweredeartoher，andyouwillhavetodothesamewithme。Yes，doyouhear，itmustbeso”
Itwashewhowasgivingordersnow，hewhowasthreatening。Howplainlyhadhereadmymind，tostandupbeforemeinsuchanattitude！Furiouspassionbrokelooseinme；Itookinthefactsofthesituation。Thismanhadlovedmymothermadlyenoughtopurchaseheratthecostofthemurderofhismostintimatefriend，andhelovedherafterallthoseyearspassionatelyenoughtodesirethatnotoneofthedayshehadstilltopasswithhermightbelosttohim。Anditwasalsotruethatnever，nevershouldI
havethecouragetorevealtheterrifictruthtothepoorwoman。
Iwassuddenlycarriedawaybyragetothepointoflosingallcontrolovermyfrenzy。“Ah！“Icried，“sinceyouwillnotdojusticeonyourself，diethen，atonce！“Istretchedoutmyhandandseizedthedaggerwhichhehadrecentlyplaceduponthetable。
Helookedatmewithoutflinching，orrecoiling；indeedpresentinghisbreasttome，asthoughtobravemychildishrage。Iwasonhisleftbendingdown，andreadytospring。Isawhissmileofcontempt，andthenwithallmystrengthIstruckhimwiththeknifeinthedirectionoftheheart。
Thebladeenteredhisbodytothehilt。
NosoonerhadIdonethisthingthanIrecoiled，wildwithterroratthedeed。Heutteredacry。Hisfacewasdistortedwithterribleagony，andhemovedhisrighthandtowardsthewound，asthoughhewoulddrawoutthedagger。Helookedatme，convulsed；I
sawthathewantedtospeak；hislipsmoved，butnosoundissuedfromhismouth。Theexpressionofasupremeeffortpassedintohiseyes，heturnedtothetable，tookapen，dippeditintotheinkstand，andtracedtwolinesonasheetofpaperwithinhisreach。Helookedatmeagain，hislipsmovedoncemore，thenhefelldownlikealog。
Iremember——Isawthebodystretcheduponthecarpet，betweenthetableandthetallmantelpiece，withintwofeetofme。I
approachedhim，Ibentoverhisface。Hiseyesseemedtofollowmeevenafterdeath。
Yes，hewasdead。
Thedoctorwhocertifiedthedeathexplainedafterwardsthattheknifehadpassedthroughthecardiacmusclewithoutcompletelypenetratingtheleftcavityoftheheart，andthat，thebloodnotbeingshedallatonce，deathhadnotbeeninstantaneous。
IcannottellhowlonghelivedafterIstruckhim，nordoIknowhowlongIremainedinthesameplace，overwhelmedbythethought：
“Someonewillcome，andIamlost。”ItwasnotformyselfthatI
trembled。Whatcouldbedonetoasonwhohadbutavengedhismurderedfather？But，mymother？Thiswaswhatallmyresolutionstospareheratanycost，mydailysolicitudeforherwelfare，myunseentears，mytendersilence，hadcometointheend！Imustnow，inevitably，eitherexplainmyself，orleavehertothinkIwasameremurderer。Iwaslost。ButifIcalled，ifIcriedoutsuddenlythatmystepfatherhadjustkilledhimselfinmypresence，shouldIbebelieved？And，besides，hadhenotwrittenwhatwouldconvictmeofmurder，onthatsheetofpaperlyingonthetable？
WasIgoingtodestroyit，asapracticedcriminaldestroyseveryvestigeofhispresencebeforeheleavesthesceneofhiscrime？
Iseizedthesheetofpaper；thelineswerewrittenuponitincharactersratherlargerthanusual。HowitshookinmyhandwhileIreadthesewords：“Forgiveme，Marie。Iwassufferingtoomuch。
Iwantedtobedonewithit。”Andhehadhadthestrengthtoaffixhissignature！
Sothen，hislastthoughthadbeenforher。Inthebriefmomentsthathadelapsedbetweenmyblowwiththeknife，andhisdeath，hehadperceivedthedreadfultruth，thatIshouldbearrested，thatI
wouldspeaktoexplainmydeed，thatmymotherwouldthenlearnhiscrime——andhehadsavedmebycompellingmetosilence。
ButwasIgoingtoprofitbythismeansofsafety？WasIgoingtoaccepttheterriblegenerositybywhichtheman，whomIhadsoprofoundlydetested，wouldstandacquittedtowardsmeforevermore？
Imustrendersomuchjusticetomyhonor；myfirstimpulsewastodestroythatpaper，toannihilatewithiteventhememoryofthedebtimposeduponmyhatredbytheatrociousbutsublimeactionofthemurdererofmyfather。
AtthatmomentIcaughtsightofaportraitofmymother，onthetable，closetowherehehadbeensitting。Itwasaphotograph，takeninheryouth；shewasrepresentedinbrillianteveningattire，herbarearmsshadedwithlace，pearlsinherhair，gay，ay，betterthangay，happy，withanineffablypureexpressionoverspreadingherface。Mystepfatherhadsacrificedalltosaveherfromdespaironlearningthetruth，andwasshetoreceivethefatalblowfromme，tolearnatthesamemomentthatthemanshelovedhadkilledherfirsthusband，andthathehadbeenkilledbyherson？
Idesiretobelieve，sothatImaycontinuetoholdmyselfinsomeesteem，thatonlythevisionofhergriefledmetomydecision。I
replacedthesheetofpaperonthetable，andturnedawayfromthecorpselyingonthecarpet，withoutcastingaglanceatit。TheremembranceofmyflightfromtheGrandHotel，onthepreviousday，gavemecourage；Imusttryasecondtimetogetawaywithoutbetrayingdiscomposure。
Ifoundmyhat，lefttheroom，andclosedthedoorcarelessly。I
crossedthehallandwentdownthestaircase，passingbythefootmanwhostoodupmechanically，andthentheconciergewhosalutedme。Thetwoservantshadnotevenputmeoutofcountenance。
IreturnedtomyroomasIhaddonethedaybefore，butinafarmoretragicstateofsuspense。WasIsaved？WasIlost？Alldependedonthemomentatwhichsomebodymightgointomystepfather”sroom。Ifmymotherweretoreturnwithinafewminutesofmydeparture；ifthefootmanweretogoupstairswithsomeletter，Ishouldinstantlybesuspected，inspiteofthedeclarationwrittenbyM。Termonde。Ifeltthatmycouragewasexhausted。Iknewthat，ifaccused，Ishouldnothavemoralstrengthtodefendmyself，formywearinesswassooverwhelmingthatIdidnotsufferanylonger。TheonlythingIhadstrengthtodowastowatchtheswingofthependulumofthetimepieceonthemantelshelf，andtomarkthemovementofthehands。Aquarterofanhourelapsed，halfanhour，awholehour。
ItwasanhourandahalfafterIhadleftthefatalroom，whenthebellatthedoorwasrung。Ihearditthroughthewalls。A
servantbroughtmealaconicnotefrommymotherscribbledinpencilandhardlylegible。Itinformedmethatmystepfatherhaddestroyedhimselfinanattackofseverepain。Thepoorwomanimploredmetogotoherimmediately。Ah，shewouldnowneverknowthetruth！
XIV
TheconfessionthatIwishedtowriteiswritten。TowhatendcouldIaddfreshfactstoitnow？Ihopedtoeasemyheartbypassinginreviewallthedetailsofthisdarkstory，butIhaveonlyrevivedthedreadmemoryofthescenesinwhichIhavebeenanactor；fromthefirst——whenIsawmyfatherstretcheddeaduponhisbed，andmymotherweepingbyhisside，tothelast——whenI
noiselesslyenteredaroominwhichtheunhappywomanwasagainkneelingandweeping。Againuponthebedtherelayacorpse，andsheroseasshehaddonebefore，andutteredthesamedespairingcry：“MyAndre——myson。”AndIhadtoanswerherquestions；Ihadtoinventforherafalseconversationwithmystepfather，totellherthatIlefthimratherdepressed，butwithnothinginhisappearanceormannertoindicateafatalresolution。Ihadtotakethenecessarystepstopreventthisallegedsuicidefromgettingknown，toseethecommissaryofpoliceandthe“doctorofthedead。”Ihadtopresideatthefuneralceremonies，toreceivetheguestsandactaschiefmourner。Andalways，always，hewaspresenttome，withthedaggerinhisbreast，writingthelinesthathadsavedme，andlookingatme，whilehislipsmoved。
Ah，begone，begone，abhorredphantom！Yes！Ihavedoneit；yes！I
havekilledyou；yes！itwasjust。Youknowwellthatitwasjust。
Whyareyoustillherenow？Ah！IWILLlive；IWILLforget。IfI
couldonlyceasetothinkofyouforoneday，onlyoneday，justtobreathe，andwalk，andseethesky，withoutyourimagereturningtohauntmypoorheadwhichisrackedbythishallucination，andtroubled？MyGod！havepityonme。Ididnotaskforthisdreadfulfate；itisThouthathastsentittome。WhydostThoupunishme？Oh，myGod，havepityonme！Misereremei，Domine。
Vainprayers！IsthereanyGod，anyjustice，isthereeithergoodorevil？None，none，none，none！Thereisnothingbutapitilessdestinywhichbroodsoverthehumanrace，iniquitousandblind，distributingjoyandgriefathaphazard。AGodwhosays，“Thoushaltnotkill，“tohimwhosefatherhasbeenkilled？No，Idon”tbelieveit。No，ifhellweretherebeforeme，gapingopen，Iwouldmakeanswer：“Ihavedonewell，“andIwouldnotrepent。Idonotrepent。Myremorseisnotforhavingseizedtheweaponandstrucktheblow，itisthatIowetohim——tohim——thatinfamousgoodservicewhichhedidme——thatIcannottothepresenthourshakefrommethehorriblegiftIhavereceivedfromthatman。IfIhaddestroyedthepaper，ifIhadgoneandgivenmyselfup，ifIhadappearedbeforeajury，revealing，proclaimingmydeed，Ishouldnotbeashamed；Icouldstillholdupmyhead。Whatrelief，whatjoyitwouldbeifImightcryaloudtoallmenthatIkilledhim，thathelied，andIlied，thatitwasI，I，whotooktheweaponandplungeditintohim！Andyet，Ioughtnottosufferfromhavingaccepted——no——enduredtheodiousimmunity。WasitfromanymotiveofcowardicethatIactedthus？WhatwasIafraidof？Oftorturingmymother，nothingmore。Why，then，doIsufferthisunendurableanguish？Ah，itisshe，itismymotherwho，withoutintendingit，makesthedeadsolivingtome，byherowndespair。
Shelives，shutupintheroomswheretheylivedtogetherforsixteenyears；shehasnotallowedasinglearticleoffurnituretobetouched；shesurroundstheman”saccursedmemorywiththesamepiousreverencethatmyauntformerlylavishedonmyunhappyfather。Irecognizetheinvincibleinfluenceofthedeadinthepallorofhercheeks，thewrinklesinhereyelids，thewhitestreaksinherhair。Hedisputesherwithmefromthedarknessofhiscoffin；hetakesherfromme，hourbyhour，andIampowerlessagainstthatlove。IfIweretotellher，asIwouldliketotellher，allthetruth，fromthehideouscrimewhichhecommitted，downtotheexecutioncarriedoutbyme，itisIwhomshewouldhate，forhavingkilledhim。ShewillgrowoldthusandIshallseeherweep，always，always——WhatgoodisittohavedonewhatIdid，sinceIhavenotkilledhiminherheart？