CHAPTERXII
THEFACTSOFAMYSTERIOUSAFFAIR
MichusoldhisfarmatoncetoBeauvisage，afarmeratBellache，buthewasnottoreceivethemoneyfortwentydays。AmonthaftertheMarquisdeChargeboeuf’svisit，Laurence，whohadtoldhercousinsoftheirburiedfortune，proposedtothemtotakethedayoftheMi-caremetodisinterit。TheunusualquantityofsnowwhichfellthatwinterhadhithertopreventedMichufromobtainingthetreasure，anditnowgavehimpleasuretoundertaketheoperationwithhismasters。
Hewasdeterminedtoleavetheneighborhoodassoonasitwasover，forhefearedhimself。
\"MalinhassuddenlyarrivedatGondreville，andnooneknowswhy，\"hesaidtohismistress。\"Ishallneverbeabletoresistputtingthepropertyintothemarketbythedeathofitsowner。IfeelIamguiltyinnotfollowingmyinspirations。\"
\"WhyshouldheleaveParisatthisseason？\"saidthecountess。
\"AllArcisistalkingaboutit，\"repliedMichu；\"hehaslefthisfamilyinParis，andnooneiswithhimbuthisvalet。MonsieurGrevin，thenotaryofArcis，MadameMarion，thewifeofthereceiver-
general，andhersister-in-lawarestayingatGondreville。\"
Laurencehadchosenthemid-lentdayfortheirpurposebecauseitenabledhertogiveherservantsaholidayandsogetthemoutoftheway。Theusualmasqueradedrewthepeasantrytothetownandnoonewasatworkinthefields。ChancemadeitscalculationswithasmuchclevernessasMademoiselledeCinq-Cygnemadehers。TheuneasinessofMonsieurandMadamed’Hauteserreattheideaofkeepingelevenhundredthousandfrancsingoldinalonelychateauonthebordersofaforestwaslikelytobesogreatthattheirsonsadvisedtheyshouldknownothingaboutit。ThesecretoftheexpeditionwasthereforeconfinedtoGothard，Michu，Laurence，andthefourgentlemen。
Aftermuchconsultationitseemedpossibletoputforty-eightthousandfrancsinalongsackonthecrupperofeachoftheirhorses。Threetripswouldthereforebringthewhole。Itwasagreedtosendalltheservants，whosecuriositymightbetroublesome，toTroyestoseetheshows。Catherine，Marthe，andDurieu，whocouldbereliedon，stayedathomeinchargeofthehouse。Theotherservantsweregladoftheirholidayandstartedbydaybreak。Gothard，assistedbyMichu，saddledthehorsesassoonastheyweregone，andthepartystartedbywayofthegardenstoreachtheforest。Justastheyweremounting——fortheparkgatewassolowonthegardensidethattheyledtheirhorsesuntiltheywerethroughit——oldBeauvisage，thefarmeratBellache，happenedtopass。
\"There！\"criedGothard，\"Ihearsomeone。\"
\"Oh，itisonlyI，\"saidtheworthyman，comingtowardthem。\"Yourservant，gentleman；areyouoffhunting，inspiteofthenewdecrees？
/I/don’tcomplainofyou；butdotakecare！thoughyouhavefriendsyouhavealsoenemies。\"
\"Oh，asforthat，\"saidtheelderHauteserre，smiling，\"Godgrantthatourhuntmaybeluckyto-day，——ifso，youwillgetyourmastersbackagain。\"
Thesewords，towhicheventsweredestinedtogiveatotallydifferentmeaning，earnedaseverelookfromLaurence。TheelderSimeusewasconfidentthatMalinwouldrestoreGondrevilleforanindemnity。TheserashyouthsweredeterminedtodoexactlythecontraryofwhattheMarquisdeChargeboeufhadadvised。Robert，whosharedthesehopes，wasthinkingofthemwhenhegaveutterancetothefatalwords。
\"Notawordofthis，oldfriend，\"saidMichutoBeauvisage，waitingbehindtheotherstolockthegate。
ItwasoneofthosefinemorningsinMarchwhentheairisdry，theearthpure，theskyclear，andtheatmosphereacontradictiontotheleaflesstrees；theseasonwassomildthattheeyecaughtglimpseshereandthereofverdure。
\"Weareseekingtreasurewhenallthewhileyouaretherealtreasureofourhouse，cousin，\"saidtheelderSimeuse，gaily。
Laurencewasinfront，withacousinoneachsideofher。Thed’Hauteserreswerebehind，followedbyMichu。Gothardhadgoneforwardtocleartheway。
\"Nowthatourfortuneisrestored，youmustmarrymybrother，\"saidtheyoungerinalowvoice。\"Headoresyou；togetheryouwillbeasrichasnoblesoughttobeinthesedays。\"
\"No，givethewholefortunetohimandIwillmarryyou，\"saidLaurence；\"Iamrichenoughfortwo。\"
\"Sobeit，\"criedtheMarquis；\"Iwillleaveyou，andfindawifeworthytobeyoursister。\"
\"SoyoureallylovemelessthanIthoughtyoudid？\"saidLaurencelookingathimwithasortofjealousy。
\"No；Iloveyoubetterthaneitherofyouloveme，\"repliedthemarquis。
\"Andthereforeyouwouldsacrificeyourself？\"askedLaurencewithaglancefullofmomentarypreference。
Themarquiswassilent。
\"Well，then，Ishallthinkonlyofyou，andthatwillbeintolerabletomyhusband，\"exclaimedLaurence，impatientathissilence。
\"HowcouldIlivewithoutyou？\"saidtheyoungertwintohisbrother。
\"But，afterall，youcan’tmarryusboth，\"saidthemarquis，replyingtoLaurence；\"andthetimehascome，\"hecontinued，inthebrusquetoneofamanwhoisstrucktotheheart，\"tomakeyourdecision。\"
Heurgedhishorseinadvancesothatthed’Hauteserresmightnotoverhearthem。Hisbrother’shorseandLaurence’sfollowedhim。WhentheyhadputsomedistancebetweenthemselvesandtherestofthepartyLaurenceattemptedtospeak，buttearswereatfirstheronlylanguage。
\"Iwillenteracloister，\"shesaidatlast。
\"AndlettheraceofCinq-Cygneend？\"saidtheyoungerbrother。
\"Insteadofoneunhappyman，wouldyoumaketwo？No，whicheverofusmustbeyourbrotheronly，willresignhimselftothatfate。Itistheknowledgethatwearenolongerpoorthathasbroughtustoexplainourselves，\"headded，glancingatthemarquis。\"IfIamtheonepreferred，allthismoneyismybrother’s。IfIamrejected，hewillgiveittomewiththetitleofdeSimeuse，forhemustthentakethenameandtitleofCinq-Cygne。Whicheverwayitends，theloserwillhaveachanceofrecovery——butifhefeelshemustdieofgrief，hecanenterthearmyanddieinbattle，nottosaddenthehappyhousehold。\"
\"Wearetrueknightsoftheoldentime，worthyofourfathers，\"criedtheelder。\"Speak，Laurence；decidebetweenus。\"
\"Wecannotcontinueasweare，\"saidtheyounger。
\"Donotthink，Laurence，thatself-denialiswithoutitsjoys，\"saidtheelder。
\"Mydearlovedones，\"saidthegirl，\"Iamunabletodecide。Iloveyoubothasthoughyouwereonebeing——asyourmotherlovedyou。Godwillhelpus。Icannotchoose。Letusputittochance——butImakeonecondition。\"
\"Whatisit？\"
\"WhicheveroneofyoubecomesmybrothermuststaywithmeuntilI
sufferhimtoleaveme。Iwishtobesolejudgeofwhentopart。\"
\"Yes，yes，\"saidthebrothers，withoutexplainingtothemselveshermeaning。
\"ThefirstofyoutowhomMadamed’Hauteserrespeaksto-nightattableaftertheBenedicite，shallbemyhusband。Butneitherofyoumustpractisefraudorinducehertoansweraquestion。\"
\"Wewillplayfair，\"saidtheyounger，smiling。
Eachkissedherhand。Thecertaintyofsomedecisionwhichbothcouldfancyfavorablemadethemgay。
\"Eitherway，dearLaurence，youcreateaComtedeCinq-Cygne——\"
\"Ibelieve，\"thoughtMichu，ridingbehindthem，\"thatmademoisellewillnotlongbeunmarried。Howgaymymastersare！IfmymistressmakesherchoiceIshallnotleave；Imuststayandseethatwedding。\"
Justthenamagpieflewsuddenlybeforehisface。Michu，superstitiouslikeallprimitivebeings，fanciedheheardthemuffledtonesofadeath-knell。Theday，however，beganbrightlyenoughforlovers，whorarelyseemagpieswhentogetherinthewoods。Michu，armedwithhisplan，verifiedthespots；eachgentlemanhadbroughtapickaxe，andthemoneywassoonfound。Thepartoftheforestwhereitwasburiedwasquitewild，farfromallpathsorhabitations，sothatthecavalcadebearingthegoldreturnedunseen。Thisprovedtobeagreatmisfortune。OntheirwayfromCinq-Cygnetofetchthelasttwohundredthousandfrancs，theparty，emboldenedbysuccess，tookamoredirectwaythanontheirothertrips。ThepathpassedanopeningfromwhichtheparkofGondrevillecouldbeseen。
\"Whatisthat？\"criedLaurence，pointingtoacolumnofblueflame。
\"Abonfire，Ithink，\"repliedMichu。
Laurence，whoknewalltheby-waysoftheforest，lefttherestofthepartyandgallopedtowardsthepavilion，Michu’soldhome。Thoughthebuildingwasclosedanddeserted，theirongateswereopen，andtracesoftherecentpassageofseveralhorsesstruckLaurenceinstantly。ThecolumnofbluesmokewasrisingfromafieldinwhatwascalledtheEnglishpark，where，asshesupposed，theywereburningbrush。
\"Ah！soyouareconcernedinit，too，areyou，mademoiselle？\"criedViolette，whocameoutoftheparkattopspeedonhispony，andpulleduptomeetLaurence。\"But，ofcourse，itisonlyacarnivaljoke？Theysurelywon’tkillhim？\"
\"Who？\"
\"Yourcousinswouldn’tputhimtodeath？\"
\"Death！whosedeath？\"
\"Thesenator’s。\"
\"Youarecrazy，Violette！\"
\"Well，whatareyoudoinghere，then？\"hedemanded。
Attheideaofadangerwhichwasthreateninghercousins，Laurenceturnedherhorseandgallopedbacktothem，reachingthegroundasthelastsackswerefilled。
\"Quick，quick！\"shecried。\"Idon’tknowwhatisgoingon，butletusgetbacktoCinq-Cygne。\"
Whilethehappypartywereemployedinrecoveringthefortunesavedbytheoldmarquis，andguardedforsomanyyearsbyMichu，anextraordinaryscenewastakingplaceinthechateauofGondreville。
Abouttwoo’clockintheafternoonMalinandhisfriendGrevinwereplayingchessbeforethefireinthegreatsalonontheground-floor。
MadameGrevinandMadameMarionweresittingonasofaandtalkingtogetheratacornerofthefireplace。Alltheservantshadgonetoseethemasquerade，whichhadlongbeenannouncedinthearrondissement。ThefamilyofthebailiffwhohadreplacedMichuhadgonetoo。Thesenator’svaletandVioletteweretheonlypersonsbesidethefamilyatthechateau。Theporter，twogardeners，andtheirwiveswereontheplace，buttheirlodgewasattheentranceofthecourtyardsatthefartherendoftheavenuetoArcis，andthedistancefromtheretothechateauisbeyondthesoundofapistol-shot。
ViolettewaswaitingintheantechamberuntilthesenatorandGrevincouldseehimonbusiness，toarrangeamatterrelatingtohislease。
Atthatmomentfivemen，maskedandgloved，whoinheight，manner，andbearingstronglyresembledtheSimeuseandd’HauteserrebrothersandMichu，rushedintotheantechamber，seizedandgaggedthevaletandViolette，andfastenedthemtotheirchairsinasideroom。Inspiteoftherapiditywithwhichthiswasdone，Violetteandtheservanthadtimetoutteronecry。Itwasheardinthesalon。Thetwoladiesthoughtitacryoffear。
\"Listen！\"saidMadameGrevin，\"canthereberobbers？\"
\"No，nonsense！\"saidGrevin，\"onlycarnivalcries；themasqueradersmustbecomingtopayusavisit。\"
ThisdiscussiongavetimeforthefourstrangerstoclosethedoorstowardsthecourtyardsandtolockupVioletteandthevalet。MadameGrevin，whowasratherobstinate，insistedonknowingwhatthenoisemeant。Sherose，lefttheroom，andcamefacetofacewiththefivemaskedmen，whotreatedherastheyhadtreatedthefarmerandthevalet。Thentheyrushedintothesalon，wherethetwostrongestseizedandgaggedMalin，andcarriedhimoffintothepark，whilethethreeothersremainedbehindtogagMadameMarionandGrevinandlashthemtotheirarmchairs。Thewholeaffairdidnottakemorethanhalfanhour。Thethreeunknownmen，whowerequicklyrejoinedbythetwowhohadcarriedoffthesenator，thenproceededtoransackthechateaufromcellartogarret。Theyopenedallclosetsanddoors，andsoundedthewalls；untilfiveo’clocktheywereabsolutemastersoftheplace。
BythattimethevalethadmanagedtoloosenwithhisteeththeropethatboundViolette。Violette，ablethentogetthegagfromhismouth，begantoshoutforhelp。Hearingtheshoutsthefivemenwithdrewtothegardens，wheretheymountedhorsescloselyresemblingthoseatCinq-Cygneandrodeaway，butnotsorapidlythatViolettewasunabletocatchsightofthem。Afterreleasingthevalet，thetwoladies，andthenotary，Violettemountedhisponyandrodeafterhelp。
WhenhereachedthepavilionhewasamazedtoseethegatesopenandMademoiselledeCinq-Cygneapparentlyonthewatch。
Directlyaftertheyoungcountesshadriddenoff，ViolettewasovertakenbyGrevinandtheforesterofthetownshipofGondreville，whohadtakenhorsesfromthestablesatthechateau。Theporter’swifewasonherwaytosummonthegendarmeriefromArcis。VioletteatonceinformedGrevinofhismeetingwithLaurenceandthesuddenflightofthedaringgirl，whosestronganddecidedcharacterwasknowntoallofthem。
\"Shewaskeepingwatch，\"saidViolette。
\"IsitpossiblethatthoseCinq-Cygnepeoplehavedonethisthing？\"
criedGrevin。
\"Doyoumeantosayyoudidn’trecognizethatstoutMichu？\"exclaimedViolette。\"Itwashewhoattackedme；Iknewhisfist。Besides，theyrodetheCinq-Cygnehorses。\"
Noticingthehoof-marksonthesandofthe/rond-point/andalongtheparkroadthenotarystationedtheforesteratthegatewaytoseetothepreservationoftheseprecioustracesuntilthejusticeofpeaceofArcisforwhomhenowsentViolettecouldtakenoteofthem。Hehimselfreturnedhastilytothechateau，wherethelieutenantandsub-
lieutenantoftheImperialgendarmerieatArcishadarrived，accompaniedbyfourmenandacorporal。ThelieutenantwasthesamemanwhoseheadFrancoisMichuhadbrokentwoyearsearlier，andwhohadheardfromCorentinthenameofhismischievousassailant。Thisman，whosenamewasGiguethisbrotherwasinthearmy，andbecameoneofthefinestcolonelsofartillery，wasanextremelyableofficerofgendarmerie。LaterhecommandedthesquadronoftheAube。
Thesub-lieutenant，namedWelff，hadformerlydrivenCorentinfromCinq-Cygnetothepavilion，andfromthepaviliontoTroyes。Ontheway，thespyhadfullyinformedhimastowhathecalledthetrickeryofLaurenceandMichu。Thetwoofficerswerethereforewellinclinedtoshow，anddidshow，greateagernessagainstthefamilyatCinq-
Cygne。
CHAPTERXIII
THECODEOFBRUMAIRE，YEARIV。
MalinandGrevinhadboth，thelatterworkingfortheformer，takenpartintheconstructionoftheCodecalledthatofBrumaire，yearIV。，thejudicialworkoftheNationalConvention，so-called，andpromulgatedbytheDirectory。Grevinknewitsprovisionsthoroughly，andwasabletoapplytheminthisaffairwithterriblecelerity，underatheory，nowconvertedintoacertainty，oftheguiltofMichuandtheMessieursdeSimeuseandd’Hauteserre。Nooneinthesedays，unlessitbesomeantiquatedmagistrates，willrememberthissystemofjustice，whichNapoleonwaseventhenoverthrowingbythepromulgationofhisownCodes，andbytheinstitutionofhismagistracyundertheforminwhichitnowrulesFrance。
TheCodeofBrumaire，yearIV。，gavetothedirectorofthejuryofthedepartmentthedutyofdiscovering，indicting，andprosecutingthepersonsguiltyofthedelinquencycommittedatGondreville。Remark，bytheway，thattheConventionhadeliminatedfromitsjudicialvocabularytheword\"crime\"；/delinquencies/and/misdemeanors/werealoneadmitted；andthesewerepunishedwithfines，imprisonment，andpenalties\"afflictiveorinfamous。\"Deathwasanafflictivepunishment。Butthepenaltyofdeathwastobedoneawaywithaftertherestorationofpeace，andtwenty-fouryearsofhardlaborweretotakeitsplace。ThustheConventionestimatedtwenty-fouryearsofhardlaborastheequivalentofdeath。Whatthereforecanbesaidforacodewhichinflictsthepunishmentofhardlaborforlife？ThesystemtheninprocessofpreparationbytheNapoleonicCouncilofStatesuppressedthefunctionofthedirectorsofjuries，whichunitedmanyenormouspowers。Inrelationtothediscoveryofdelinquenciesandtheirprosecutionthedirectorofthejurywas，infact，agentofpolice，publicprosecutor，municipaljudge，andthecourtitself。Hisproceedingsandhisindictmentswere，however，submittedforsignaturetoacommissioneroftheexecutivepowerandtotheverdictofeightjurymen，beforewhomhelaidthefactsofthecase，andwhoexaminedthewitnessesandtheaccusedandrenderedthepreliminaryverdict，calledtheindictment。Thedirectorwas，however，inapositiontoexercisesuchinfluenceoverthejurymen，whometinhisprivateoffice，thattheycouldnotwellavoidagreeingwithhim。Thesejurymenwerecalledthejuryofindictment。Therewereotherswhoformedthejuriesofthecriminaltribunalswhosedutyitwastojudgetheaccused；thesewerecalled，incontradistinctiontothejuryofindictment，thejudgmentjury。Thecriminaltribunal，towhichNapoleonafterwardsgavethenameofcriminalcourt，wascomposedofonePresidentorchiefjustice，fourjudges，thepublicprosecutor，andagovernmentcommissioner。
Nevertheless，from1799to1806therewerespecialcourtsso-called
whichjudgedwithoutjuriescertainmisdemeanorsincertaindepartments；thesewerecomposedofjudgestakenfromthecivilcourtsandformedintoaspecialcourt。Thisconflictofspecialjusticeandcriminaljusticegaverisetoquestionsofcompetencewhichcamebeforethecourtsofappeal。IfthedepartmentoftheAubehadhadaspecialcourt，theverdictontheoutragecommittedonasenatoroftheEmpirewouldnodoubthavebeenreferredtoit；butthistranquildepartmenthadneverneededunusualjurisdiction。Grevinthereforedespatchedthesub-lieutenanttoTroyestobringthedirectorofthejuryofthattown。Theemissarywentatfullgallop，andsoonreturnedinapost-carriagewiththeall-powerfulmagistrate。
ThedirectoroftheTroyesjurywasformerlysecretaryofoneofthecommitteesoftheConvention，afriendofMalin，towhomheowedhispresentplace。Thismagistrate，namedLechesneau，hadhelpedMalin，asGrevinhaddone，inhisworkontheCodeduringtheConvention。MalininreturnrecommendedhimtoCambaceres，whoappointedhimattorney-
generalforItaly。Unfortunatelyforhim，LechesneauhadaliaisonwithagreatladyinTurin，andNapoleonremovedhimtoavoidacriminaltrialthreatenedbythehusband。Lechesneau，boundingratitudetoMalin，felttheimportanceofthisattackuponhispatron，andbroughtwithhimacaptainofgendarmerieandtwelvemen。
Beforestartinghelaidhisplanswiththeprefect，whowasunableatthatlatehour，itbeingafterdark，tousethetelegraph。TheythereforesentamountedmessengertoParistonotifytheministerofpolice，thechiefjusticeandtheEmperorofthisextraordinarycrime。
InthesalonofGondreville，LechesneaufoundMesdamesMarionandGrevin，Violette，thesenator’svalet，andthejusticeofpeacewithhisclerk。Thechateauhadalreadybeenexamined；thejustice，assistedbyGrevin，hadcarefullycollectedthefirsttestimony。Thefirstthingthatstruckhimwastheobviousintentionshowninthechoiceofthedayandhourfortheattack。Thehourpreventedanimmediatesearchforproofsandtraces。Atthisseasonitwasnearlydarkbyhalf-pastfive，thehouratwhichViolettegavethealarm，anddarknessoftenmeansimpunitytoevil-doers。Thechoiceofaholiday，whenmostpersonshadgonetothemasqueradeatArcis，andthesenatorwascomparativelyaloneinthehouse，showedanobviousintentiontogetridofwitnesses。
\"Letusdojusticetotheintelligenceoftheprefectureofpolice，\"
saidLechesneau；\"theyhaveneverceasedtowarnustobeonourguardagainstthenoblesatCinq-Cygne；theyhavealwaysdeclaredthatsoonerorlaterthosepeoplewouldplayussomedangeroustrick。\"
Sureoftheactiveco-operationoftheprefectoftheAube，whosentmessengerstoallthesurroundingprefecturesaskingthemtosearchforthefiveabductorsandthesenator，Lechesneaubeganhisworkbyverifyingthefirstfacts。ThiswassoondonebythehelpoftwosuchlegalheadsasthoseofGrevinandthejusticeofpeace。Thelatter，namedPigoult，formerlyhead-clerkintheofficewhereMalinandGrevinhadfirststudiedlawinParis，wassoonafterappointedjudgeofthemunicipalcourtatArcis。InrelationtoMichu，LechesneauknewofthethreatsthemanhadmadeaboutthesaleofGondrevilletoMarion，andthedangerMalinhadescapedinhisownparkfromMichu’sgun。Thesetwofacts，onebeingtheconsequenceoftheother，werenodoubttheprecursorsofthepresentsuccessfulattack，andtheypointedsoobviouslytothelatebailiffastheinstigatoroftheoutragethatGrevin，hiswife，Violette，andMadameMariondeclaredthattheyhadrecognizedamongthefivemaskedmenonewhoexactlyresembledMichu。Thecolorofthehairandwhiskersandthethick-setfigureofthemanmadethemaskheworeuseless。Besides，whobutMichucouldhaveopenedtheirongatesoftheparkwithakey？Thepresentbailiffandhiswife，nowreturnedfromthemasquerade，deposedtohavelockedbothgatesbeforeleavingthepavilion。Thegateswhenexaminedshowednosignofbeingforced。
\"Whenweturnedhimoffhemusthavetakensomeduplicatekeyswithhim，\"remarkedGrevin。\"Nodoubthehasbeenmeditatingadesperatestep，forhehaslatelysoldhiswholeproperty，andhereceivedthemoneyforitinmyofficedaybeforeyesterday。\"
\"Theothershavefollowedhislead！\"exclaimedLechesneau，struckwiththecircumstances。\"Hehasbeentheirevilgenius。\"
Moreover，whocouldknowaswellastheMessieursdeSimeusetheinsandoutsofthechateau。Noneoftheassailantsseemedtohaveblunderedintheirsearch；theyhadgonethroughthehouseinaconfidentwaywhichshowedthattheyknewwhattheywantedtofindandwheretofindit。Thelocksofnoneoftheopenedclosetshadbeenforced；thereforethedelinquentshadkeys。Strangetosay，however，nothinghadbeentaken；themotive，therefore，wasnotrobbery。Morethanall，whenViolettehadfollowedthetracksofthehorsesasfarasthe/rond-point/，hehadfoundthecountess，evidentlyonguard，atthepavilion。FromsuchacombinationoffactsanddepositionsaroseapresumptionastotheguiltoftheMessieursdeSimeuse，d’Hauteserre，andMichu，whichwouldhavebeenstrongtounprejudicedminds，andtothedirectorofthejuryhadtheforceofcertainty。WhatweretheylikelytodotothefutureComtedeGondreville？DidtheymeantoforcehimtomakeovertheestateforwhichMichudeclaredin1799hehadthemoneytopay？
Buttherewasanotheraspectofthecasttotheknowingcriminallawyer。Heaskedhimselfwhatcouldbetheobjectofthecarefulsearchmadeofthechateau。Ifrevengewereatthebottomofthematter，theassailantswouldhavekilledthesenator。Perhapshehadbeenkilledandburied。Theabduction，however，seemedtopointtoimprisonment。Butwhykeeptheirvictimimprisonedaftersearchingthecastle？ItwasfollytosupposethattheabductionofadignitaryoftheEmpirecouldlongremainsecret。Thepublicityofthematterwouldpreventanybenefitfromit。
TothesesuggestionsPigoultrepliedthatjusticewasneverabletomakeoutallthemotivesofscoundrels。Ineverycriminalcasetherewereobscurities，hesaid，betweenthejudgeandtheguiltyperson；
consciencehaddepthsintowhichnohumanmindcouldenterunlessbytheconfessionofthecriminal。
GrevinandLechesneaunoddedtheirassent，without，however，relaxingtheirdeterminationtoseetothebottomofthepresentmystery。
\"TheEmperorpardonedthoseyoungmen，\"saidPigoulttoGrevin。\"Heremovedtheirnamesfromthelistof/emigres/，thoughtheycertainlytookpartinthatlastconspiracyagainsthim。\"
LechesneaumakenodelayinsendinghiswholeforceofgendarmerietotheforestandtothevalleyofCinq-Cygne；tellingGiguettotakewithhimthejusticeofpeace，who，accordingtothetermsoftheCode，wouldthenbecomeanauxiliarypolice-officer。HeorderedthemtomakeallpreliminaryinquiriesinthetownshipofCinq-Cygne，andtotaketestimonyifnecessary；andtosavetime，hedictatedandsignedawarrantforthearrestofMichu，againstwhomthechargewasevidentonthepositivetestimonyofViolette。AfterthedepartureofthegendarmesLechesneaureturnedtotheimportantquestionofissuingwarrantsforthearrestoftheSimeuseandd’Hauteserrebrothers。
AccordingtotheCodethesewarrantswouldhavetocontainthechargesagainstthedelinquents。
GiguetandthejusticeofpeacerodesorapidlytoCinq-CygnethattheymetLaurence’sservantsreturningfromthefestivitiesatTroyes。
Stopped，andtakenbeforethemayorwheretheywereinterrogated，theyallstated，beingignorantoftheimportanceoftheanswer，thattheirmistresshadgiventhempermissiontospendthewholedayatTroyes。
Toaquestionputbythejusticeofthepeace，eachrepliedthatMademoisellehadofferedthemtheamusementwhichtheyhadnotthoughtofaskingfor。ThistestimonyseemedsoimportanttothejusticeofthepeacethathesentbackamessengertoGondrevilletoadviseLechesneautoproceedhimselftoCinq-Cygneandarrestthefourgentlemen，whilehewenttoMichu’sfarm，sothatthefivearrestsmightbemadesimultaneously。
ThisnewelementwassoconvincingthatLechesneaustartedatonceforCinq-Cygne。HeknewwellwhatpleasurewouldbefeltinTroyesatsuchproceedingsagainsttheoldnobles，theenemiesofthepeople，nowbecometheenemiesoftheEmperor。Insuchcircumstancesamagistrateisveryapttotakemerepresumptiveevidenceforactualproof。
Nevertheless，onhiswayfromGondrevilletoCinq-Cygne，inthesenator’sowncarriage，itdidoccurtoLechesneauwhowouldcertainlyhavemadeafinemagistratehaditnotbeenforhislove-
affair，andtheEmperor’ssuddenmoralitytowhichheowedhisdisgracetothinktheaudacityoftheyoungmenandMichuapieceoffollywhichwasnotinkeepingwithwhatheknewofthejudgmentandcharacterofMademoiselledeCinq-Cygne。HeimaginedinhisownmindsomeothermotivesforthedeedthantherestitutionofGondreville。
Inallthings，eveninthemagistracy，thereiswhatmaybecalledtheconscienceofacalling。Lechesneau’sperplexitiescamefromthisconscience，whichallmenputintotheproperperformanceofthedutiestheylike——scientificmenintoscience，artistsintoart，judgesintotherenderingofjustice。Perhapsforthisreasonjudgesarereallygreatersafeguardsforpersonsaccusedofwrong-doingthanarejuries。Amagistratereliesonlyonreasonanditslaws；juriesarefloatedtoandfrobythewavesofsentiment。Thedirectorofthejuryaccordinglysetseveralquestionsbeforehismind，resolvingtofindintheirsolutionsatisfactoryreasonsformakingthearrests。
ThoughthenewsoftheabductionwasalreadyagitatingthetownofTroyes，itwasstillunknownatArcis，wheretheinhabitantsweresuppingwhenthemessengerarrivedtosummonthegendarmes。Noone，ofcourse，knewitinthevillageofCinq-Cygne，thevalleyandthechateauofwhichwerenow，forthesecondtime，encircledbygendarmes。
LaurencehadonlytotellMarthe，Catherine，andtheDurieusnottoleavethechateau，tobestrictlyobeyed。Aftereachtriptofetchthegold，thehorseswerefastenedinthecoveredwayoppositetothebreachinthemoat，andfromthereRobertandMichu，thestrongestoftheparty，carriedthesacksthroughthebreachtoacellarunderthestaircaseinthetowercalledMademoiselle’s。Reachingthechateauwiththelastloadabouthalf-pastfiveo’clock，thefourgentlemenandMichuproceededtoburythetreasureinthefloorofthecellarandthentowalluptheentrance。MichutookchargeofthematterwithGothardtohelphim；theladwassenttothefarmforsomesacksofplasterleftoverwhenthenewbuildingswereputup，andMarthewentwithhimtoshowhimwheretheywere。Michu，veryhungry，madesuchhastethatbyhalf-pastseveno’clocktheworkwasdone；andhestartedforhomeataquickpacetostopGothard，whohadbeensentforanothersackofplasterwhichhethoughthemightwant。ThefarmwasalreadywatchedbytheforesterofCinq-Cygne，thejusticeofpeace，hisclerkandfourgendarmeswho，however，keptoutofsightandallowedhimtoenterthehousewithoutseeingthem。
MichusawGothardwiththesackonhisshoulderandcalledtohimfromadistance:\"Itisallfinished，mylad；takethatbackandstayanddinewithus。\"
Michu，hisfaceperspiring，hisclothessoiledwithplasterandcoveredwithfragmentsofmuddystonefromthebreach，reachedhomejoyfullyandenteredthekitchenwhereMartheandhermotherwereservingthesoupinexpectationofhiscoming。
JustasMichuwasturningthefaucetofthewater-pipeintendingtowashhishands，thejusticeofpeaceenteredthehouseaccompaniedbyhisclerkandtheforester。
\"Whathaveyoucomefor，MonsieurPigoult？\"askedMichu。
\"InthenameoftheEmperorandthelaws，Iarrestyou，\"repliedthejustice。
ThethreegendarmesenteredthekitchenleadingGothard。SeeingthesilverlaceontheirhatsMartheandhermotherlookedateachotherinterror。
\"Pooh！why？\"askedMichu，whosatdownatthetableandcalledtohiswife，\"Givemesomethingtoeat；I’mfamished。\"
\"Youknowwhyaswellaswedo，\"saidthejustice，makingasigntohisclerktobeginthe/proces-verbal/andexhibitingthewarrantofarrest。
\"Well，well，Gothard，youneedn’tstareso，\"saidMichu。\"Doyouwantsomedinner，yesorno？Letthemwritedowntheirnonsense。\"
\"Youadmit，ofcourse，theconditionofyourclothes？\"saidthejusticeofpeace；\"andyoucan’tdenythewordsyousaidjustnowtoGothard？\"
Michu，suppliedwithfoodbyhiswife，whowasamazedathiscoolness，waseatingwiththeavidityofahungryman。Hemadenoanswertothejustice，forhismouthwasfullandhisheartinnocent。Gothard’sappetitewasdestroyedbyfear。
\"Lookhere，\"saidtheforester，goinguptoMichuandwhisperinginhisear:\"Whathaveyoudonewiththesenator？Youhadbettermakeacleanbreastofit，forifwearetobelievethesepeopleitisamatteroflifeordeathtoyou。\"
\"GoodGod！\"criedMarthe，whooverheardthelastwordsandfellintoachairasifannihilated。
\"Violettemusthaveplayedussomeinfamoustrick，\"criedMichu，recollectingwhatLaurencehadsaidintheforest。
\"Ha！soyoudoknowthatViolettesawyou？\"saidthejusticeofpeace。
Michubithislipsandresolvedtosaynomore。Gothardimitatedhim。
Seeingtheuselessnessofallattemptstomakethemtalk，andknowingwhattheneighborhoodchosetocallMichu’sperversity，thejusticeorderedthegendarmestobindhishandsandthoseofGothard，andtakethembothtothechateau，whitherhenowwenthimselftorejointhedirectorofthejury。
CHAPTERXIV
THEARRESTS
ThefouryoungmenandLaurenceweresohungryandthedinnersoacceptablethattheywouldnotdelayitbychangingtheirdress。Theyenteredthesalon，sheinherriding-habit，theyintheirwhiteleatherbreeches，high-topbootsandgreen-clothjackets，wheretheyfoundMonsieurd’Hauteserreandhiswife，notalittleuneasyattheirlongabsence。Thegoodmanhadnoticedtheirgoingsandcomings，and，aboveall，theirevidentdistrustofhim，forLaurencehadbeenunabletogetridofhimasshehadofherservants。Oncewhenhisownsonsevidentlyavoidedmakinganyreplytohisquestions，hewenttohiswifeandsaid，\"IamafraidthatLaurencemaystillgetusintotrouble！\"
\"Whatsortofgamedidyouhuntto-day？\"saidMadamed’HauteserretoLaurence。
\"Ah！\"repliedtheyounggirl，laughing，\"you’llhearsomedaywhatastrangehuntyoursonshavejoinedinto-day。\"
Thoughsaidinjestthewordsmadetheoldladytremble。Catherineenteredtoannouncedinner。LaurencetookMonsieurd’Hauteserre’sarm，smilingforamomentatthenecessityshethusforceduponhercousinstoofferanarmtoMadamed’Hauteserre，who，accordingtoagreement，wasnowtobethearbiteroftheirfate。
TheMarquisdeSimeusetookinMadamed’Hauteserre。ThesituationwassomomentousthataftertheBenedicitewassaidLaurenceandtheyoungmentrembledfromtheviolentpalpitationoftheirhearts。Madamed’Hauteserre，whocarved，wasstruckbytheanxietyonthefacesoftheSimeusebrothersandthegreatalterationthatwasnoticeableinLaurence’slamb-likefeatures。
\"Somethingextraordinaryisgoingon，Iamsureofit！\"sheexclaimed，lookingatallofthem。
\"Towhomareyouspeaking？\"askedLaurence。
\"Toallofyou，\"saidtheoldlady。
\"Asforme，mother，\"saidRobert，\"Iamfrightfullyhungry，andthatisnotextraordinary。\"
Madamed’Hauteserre，stilltroubled，offeredtheMarquisdeSimeuseaplateintendedforhisbrother。
\"Iamlikeyourmother，\"shesaid。\"Idon’tknowyouapartevenbyyourcravats。IthoughtIwashelpingyourbrother。\"
\"Youhavehelpedmebetterthanyouthoughtfor，\"saidtheyoungest，turningpale；\"youhavemadehimComtedeCinq-Cygne。\"
\"What！doyoumeantotellmethecountesshasmadeherchoice？\"criedMadamed’Hauteserre。
\"No，\"saidLaurence；\"weleftthedecisiontofateandyouareitsinstrument。\"
Shetoldoftheagreementmadethatmorning。TheelderSimeuse，watchingtheincreasingpallorofhisbrother’sface，wasmomentarilyonthepointofcryingout，\"Marryher；Iwillgoawayanddie！\"Justthen，asthedessertwasbeingserved，allpresentheardrapsuponthewindowofthedining-roomonthegardenside。Theeldestd’Hauteserreopeneditandgaveentrancetotheabbe，whosebreechesweretorninclimbingoverthewallsofthepark。
\"Fly！theyarecomingtoarrestyou，\"hecried。
\"Why？\"
\"Idon’tknowyet；butthere’sawarrantagainstyou。\"
Thewordsweregreetedwithgenerallaughter。
\"Weareinnocent，\"saidtheyoungmen。
\"Innocentorguilty，\"saidtheabbe，\"mountyourhorsesandmakeforthefrontier。Thereyoucanproveyourinnocence。Youcouldovercomeasentencebydefault；youwillneverovercomeasentencerenderedbypopularpassionandinstigatedbyprejudice。RememberthewordsofPresidentdeHarlay，’IfIwereaccusedofcarryingoffthetowersofNotre-DamethefirstthingIshoulddowouldbetorunaway。’\"
\"Torunawaywouldbetoadmitwewereguilty，\"saidtheMarquisdeSimeuse。
\"Don’tdoit！\"criedLaurence。
\"Alwaysthesamesublimefolly！\"exclaimedtheabbe，indespair。\"IfI
hadthepowerofGodIwouldcarryyouaway。ButifIamfoundhereinthisstatetheywillturnmyvisitagainstyou，andagainstmetoo；
thereforeIleaveyoubythewayIcame。Considermyadvice；youhavestilltime。Thegendarmeshavenotyetthoughtofthewallwhichadjoinstheparsonage；butyouarehemmedinontheothersides。\"
Thesoundofmanyfeetandthejangleofthesabresofthegendarmerieechoedthroughthecourtyardandreachedthedining-roomafewmomentsafterthedepartureofthepoorabbe，whoseadvicehadmetthesamefateasthatoftheMarquisdeChargeboeuf。
\"Ourtwinexistence，\"saidtheyoungerSimeuse，speakingtoLaurence，\"isananomaly——ourloveforyouisanomalous；itisthatveryqualitywhichwaswonyourheart。Possibly，thereasonwhyalltwinsknowntousinhistoryhavebeenunfortunateisthatthelawsofnaturearesubvertedinthem。Inourcase，seehowpersistentlyanevilfatefollowsus！yourdecisionisnowpostponed。\"
Laurencewasstupefied；thefatalwordsofthedirectorofthejuryhummedinherears:——\"InthenameoftheEmperorandthelaws，I
arresttheSieursPaul-MarieandMarie-PaulSimeuse，AdrienandRobertd’Hauteserre——Thesegentlemen，\"headded，addressingthemenwhoaccompaniedhimandpointingtothemudontheclothingoftheprisoners，\"cannotdenythattheyhavespentthegreaterpartofthisdayonhorseback。\"
\"Ofwhataretheyaccused？\"askedMademoiselledeCinq-Cygne，haughtily。
\"Don’tyoumeantoarrestMademoiselle？\"saidGiguet。
\"Ishallleaveheratlibertyunderbail，untilIcancarefullyexaminethechargesagainsther，\"repliedthedirector。
Themayorofferedbail，askingthecountesstomerelygiveherwordofhonorthatshewouldnotescape。Laurenceblastedhimwithalookwhichmadehimamortalenemy；atearstartedfromhereyes，oneofthosetearsofragewhichrevealahellofsuffering。Thefourgentlemenexchangedaterriblelook，butremainedmotionless。MonsieurandMadamed’Hauteserre，dreadinglesttheyoungpeoplehadpractisedsomedeceit，wereinastateofindescribablestupefaction。Clingingtotheirchairstheseunfortunateparents，findingtheirsonstornfromthemaftersomanyfearsandtheirlatehopesofsafety，satgazingbeforethemwithoutseeing，listeningwithouthearing。
\"MustIaskyoutobailme，Monsieurd’Hauteserre？\"criedLaurencetoherformerguardian，whowasrousedbythecry，clearandagonizingtohisearasthesoundofthelasttrumpet。
Hetriedtowipethetearswhichsprangtohiseyes；henowunderstoodwhatwaspassing，andsaidtohisyoungrelationinaquiveringvoice，\"Forgiveme，countess；youknowthatIamyours，bodyandsoul。\"
Lechesneau，whoatfirstwasmuchstruckbytheevidenttranquillityinwhichthewholepartyweredining，nowreturnedtohisformeropinionoftheirguiltashenoticedthestupefactionoftheoldpeopleandtheevidentanxietyofLaurence，whowasseekingtodiscoverthenatureofthetrapwhichwassetforthem。
\"Gentlemen，\"hesaid，politely，\"youaretoowell-bredtomakeauselessresistance；followmetothestables，whereImust，inyourpresence，havetheshoesofyourhorsestakenoff；theyaffordimportantproofofeitherguiltorinnocence。Come，too，mademoiselle。\"
TheblacksmithofCinq-CygneandhisassistanthadbeensummonedbyLechesneauasexperts。WhiletheoperationatthestablewasgoingonthejusticeofpeacebroughtinGothardandMichu。Theworkofdetachingtheshoesofeachhorse，puttingthemtogetherandticketingthem，soastocomparethemwiththehoof-printsinthepark，tooktime。Lechesneau，notifiedofthearrivalofPigoult，lefttheprisonerswiththegendarmesandreturnedtothedining-roomtodictatetheindictment。ThejusticeofpeacecalledhisattentiontotheconditionofMichu’sclothesandrelatedthecircumstancesofhisarrest。
\"Theymusthavekilledthesenatorandplasteredthebodyupinsomewall，\"saidPigoult。
\"Ibegintofearit，\"answeredLechesneau。\"Wheredidyoucarrythatplaster？\"hesaidtoGothard。
Theboybegantocry。
\"Thelawfrightenshim，\"saidMichu，whoseeyesweredartingflameslikethoseofalioninthetoils。
Theservants，whohadbeendetainedatthevillagebyorderofthemayor，nowarrivedandfilledtheantechamberwhereCatherineandGothardwereweeping。ToallthequestionsofthedirectorofthejuryandthejusticeofpeaceGothardrepliedbysobs；andbydintofweepinghebroughtonaspeciesofconvulsionwhichalarmedthemsomuchthattheylethimalone。Thelittlescamp，perceivingthathewasnolongerwatched，lookedatMichuwithagrin，andMichusignifiedhisapprovalbyaglance。Lechesneauleftthejusticeofpeaceandreturnedtothestables。
\"Monsieur，\"saidMadamed’Hauteserre，atlast，addressingPigoult；
\"canyouexplainthesearrests？\"
\"Thegentlemenareaccusedofabductingthesenatorbyarmedforceandkeepinghimaprisoner；forwedonotthinktheyhavemurderedhim——inspiteofappearances，\"repliedPigoult。
\"Whatpenaltiesareattachedtothecrime？\"askedMonsieurd’Hauteserre。
\"Well，astheoldlawcontinuesinforce，andtheyarenotamenableundertheCode，thepenaltyisdeath，\"repliedthejustice。
\"Death！\"criedMadamed’Hauteserre，faintingaway。
Theabbenowcameinwithhissister，whostoppedtospeaktoCatherineandMadameDurieu。
\"Wehaven’tevenseenyourcursedsenator！\"saidMichu。
\"MadameMarion，MadameGrevin，MonsieurGrevin，thesenator’svalet，andViolettealltellanothertale，\"repliedPigoult，withthesoursmileofmagisterialconviction。
\"Idon’tunderstandathingaboutit，\"saidMichu，dumbfoundedbyhisreply，andbeginningnowtobelievethathismastersandhimselfwereentangledinsomeplotwhichhadbeenlaidagainstthem。
Justthenthepartyfromthestablesreturned。LaurencewentuptoMadamed’Hauteserre，whorecoveredhersensesenoughtosay:\"Thepenaltyisdeath！\"
\"Death！\"repeatedLaurence，lookingatthefourgentlemen。
Thewordexcitedageneralterror，ofwhichGiguet，formerlyinstructedbyCorentin，tookimmediateadvantage。
\"Everythingcanbearranged，\"hesaid，drawingtheMarquisdeSimeuseintoacornerofthedining-room。\"Perhapsafterallitisnothingbutajoke；you’vebeenasoldierandsoldiersunderstandeachother。Tellme，whathaveyoureallydonewiththesenator？Ifyouhavekilledhim——why，that’stheendofit！Butifyouhaveonlylockedhimup，releasehim，foryouseeforyourselfyourgameisbalked。DothisandIamcertainthedirectorofthejuryandthesenatorhimselfwilldropthematter。\"
\"Weknowabsolutelynothingaboutit，\"saidthemarquis。
\"Ifyoutakethattonethematterislikelytogofar，\"repliedthelieutenant。
\"Dearcousin，\"saidtheMarquisdeSimeuse，\"weareforcedtogotoprison；butdonotbeuneasy；weshallreturninafewhours，forthereissomemisunderstandinginallthiswhichcanbeexplained。\"
\"Ihopeso，foryoursakes，gentlemen，\"saidthemagistrate，signingtothegendarmestoremovethefourgentlemen，Michu，andGothard。
\"Don’ttakethemtoTroyes；keeptheminyourguardhouseatArcis，\"hesaidtothelieutenant；\"theymustbepresentto-morrow，atdaybreak，whenwecomparetheshoesoftheirhorseswiththehoof-printsinthepark。\"
LechesneauandPigoultdidnotfollowuntiltheyhadcloselyquestionedCatherine，MonsieurandMadamed’Hauteserre，andLaurence。
TheDurieus，Catherine，andMarthedeclaredtheyhadonlyseentheirmastersatbreakfast-time；Monsieurd’Hauteserresaidhehadseenthematthreeo’clock。
When，atmidnight，LaurencefoundherselfalonewithMonsieurandMadamed’Hauteserre，theabbeandhissister，andwithoutthefouryoungmenwhoforthelasteighteenmonthshadbeenthelifeofthechateauandtheloveandjoyofherownlife，shefellintoagloomysilencewhichnoonepresentdaredtobreak。Noafflictionwaseverdeeperormorecompletethanhers。Atlastadeepsighbrokethestillness，andalleyesturnedtowardsthesound。
Marthe，forgotteninacorner，rose，exclaiming，\"Death！Theywillkilltheminspiteoftheirinnocence！\"
\"Mademoiselle，whatisthematterwithyou？\"saidtheabbe。
Laurencelefttheroomwithoutreplying。Sheneededsolitudetorecoverstrengthinpresenceofthisterribleunforeseendisaster。
CHAPTERXV
DOUBTSANDFEARSOFCOUNSEL
Atadistanceofthirty-fouryears，duringwhichthreegreatrevolutionshavetakenplace，nonebutelderlypersonscanrecalltheimmenseexcitementproducedinEuropebytheabductionofasenatoroftheFrenchEmpire。Notrial，ifweexceptthatofTrumeaux，thegrocerofthePlaceSaint-Michel，andthatofthewidowMorin，undertheEmpire；thoseofFualdesanddeCastaing，undertheRestoration；thoseofMadameLafargeandFieschi，underthepresentgovernment，everrousedsomuchcuriosityorsodeepaninterestasthatofthefouryoungmenaccusedofabductingMalin。SuchanattackagainstamemberofhisSenateexcitedthewrathoftheEmperor，whowastoldofthearrestofthedelinquentsalmostatthemomentwhenhefirstheardofthecrimeandthenegativeresultsoftheinquiries。Theforest，searchedthroughout，thedepartmentoftheAube，ransackedfromendtoend，gavenottheslightestindicationofthepassageoftheComtedeGondrevillenorofhisimprisonment。Napoleonsentforthechiefjustice，who，afterobtainingcertaininformationfromtheministryofpolice，explainedtohisMajestythepositionofMalininregardtotheSimeusebrothersandtheGondrevilleestate。TheEmperor，atthattimepre-occupiedwithseriousmatters，consideredtheaffairexplainedbytheseanteriorfacts。
\"Thoseyoungmenarefools，\"hesaid。\"AlawyerlikeMalinwillescapeanydeedtheymayforcehimtosignunderviolence。Watchthosenobles，anddiscoverthemeanstheytaketosettheComtedeGondrevilleatliberty。\"
Heorderedtheaffairtobeconductedwiththeutmostcelerity，regardingitasanattackonhisowninstitutions，afatalexampleofresistancetotheresultsoftheRevolution，anefforttoopenthegreatquestionofthesalesof\"nationalproperty，\"andahindrancetothatfusionofpartieswhichwastheconstantobjectofhishomepolicy。Besidesallthis，hethoughthimselftrickedbytheseyoungnobles，whohadgivenhimtheirpromisetolivepeaceably。
\"Fouche’spredictionhascometrue，\"hecried，rememberingthewordsutteredtwoyearsearlierbyhispresentministerofpolice，whosaidthemundertheimpressionsconveyedtohimbyCorentin’sreportastothecharacteranddesignsofMademoiselledeCinq-Cygne。
Itisimpossibleforpersonslivingunderaconstitutionalgovernment，wherenoonereallycaresforthatcoldandthankless，blind，deafThingcalledpublicinterest，toimaginethezealwhichamerewordoftheEmperorwasabletoinspireinhispoliticaloradministrativemachine。Thatpowerfulwillseemedtoimpressitselfasmuchuponthingsasuponmen。Hisdecisiononceuttered，theEmperor，overtakenbythecoalitionof1806，forgotthewholematter。Hethoughtonlyofnewbattlestofight，andhismindwasoccupiedinmassinghisregimentstostrikethegreatblowattheheartofthePrussianmonarchy。HisdesireforpromptjusticeinthepresentcasefoundpowerfulassistanceinthegreatuncertaintywhichaffectedthepositionofallmagistratesoftheEmpire。JustatthistimeCambaceres，asarch-chancellor，andRegnier，chiefjustice，werepreparingtoorganize/tribunauxdepremiereinstance/lowercivilcourts，imperialcourts，andacourtofappealorsupremecourt。Theywereagitatingthequestionofalegalgarborcostume；towhichNapoleonattached，andveryjustly，somuchimportanceinallofficialstations；andtheywerealsoinquiringintothecharacterofthepersonscomposingthemagistracy。Naturally，therefore，theofficialsofthedepartmentoftheAubeconsideredtheycouldhavenobetterrecommendationthantogiveproofsoftheirzealinthematteroftheabductionoftheComtedeGondreville。Napoleon’ssuppositionsbecamecertaintiestothesecourtiersandalsotothepopulace。
Peacestillreignedonthecontinent；admirationfortheEmperorwasunanimousinFrance；hecajoledallinterests，persons，vanities，andthings，inshort，everything，evenmemories。Thisattack，therefore，directedagainsthissenator，seemedintheeyesofallanassaultuponthepublicwelfare。Thelucklessandinnocentgentlemenweretheobjectsofgeneralopprobrium。Afewnobleslivingquietlyontheirestatesdeploredtheaffairamongthemselvesbutdarednotopentheirlips；infact，howwasitpossibleforthemtoopposethecurrentofpublicopinion。ThroughoutthedepartmentthedeathsoftheelevenpersonskilledbytheSimeusebrothersin1792fromthewindowsofthehotelCinq-Cygnewerebroughtupagainstthem。Itwasfearedthatotherreturnedandnowemboldened/emigres/mightfollowthisexampleofviolenceagainstthosewhohadboughttheirestatesfromthe\"nationaldomain，\"asamethodofprotestingagainstwhattheymightcallanunjustspoliation。
Theunfortunateyoungnobleswerethereforeconsideredasrobbers，brigands，murderers；andtheirconnectionwithMichuwasparticularlyfataltothem。Michu，whowasdeclared，eitherheorhisfather-in-
law，tohavecutoffalltheheadsthatfellundertheTerrorinthatdepartment，wasmadethesubjectofridiculoustales。TheexasperationofthepublicmindwasallthemoreintensebecausenearlyallthefunctionariesofthedepartmentowedtheirofficestoMalin。Nogenerousvoiceuplifteditselfagainsttheverdictofthepublic。
Besidesallthis，theaccusedhadnolegalmeanswithwhichtocombatprejudice；fortheCodeofBrumaire，yearIV。，givingasitdidboththeprosecutionofachargeandtheverdictuponitintothehandsofajury，deprivedtheaccusedofthevastprotectionofanappealagainstlegalsuspicion。
ThedayafterthearrestalltheinhabitantsofthechateauofCinq-
Cygne，bothmastersandservants，weresummonedtoappearbeforetheprosecutingjury。Cinq-Cygnewasleftinchargeofafarmer，underthesupervisionoftheabbeandhissisterwhomovedintoit。MademoiselledeCinq-Cygne，withMonsieurandMadamed’Hauteserre，wenttoTroyesandoccupiedasmallhousebelongingtoDurieuinoneofthelongandwidefaubourgswhichleadfromthelittletown。Laurence’sheartwaswrungwhensheatlastcomprehendedthetemperofthepopulace，themalignityofthebourgeoisie，andthehostilityoftheadministration，fromthemanylittleeventswhichhappenedtothemasrelativesofprisonersaccusedofcriminalwrong-doingandabouttobejudgedinaprovincialtown。Insteadofhearingencouragingorcompassionatewordstheyheardonlyspeecheswhichcalledforvengeance；proofsofhatredsurroundedtheminplaceofthestrictpolitenessorthereserverequiredbymeredecency；butabovealltheywereconsciousofanisolationwhicheverymindmustfeel，butmoreparticularlythosewhicharemadedistrustfulbymisfortune。
Laurence，whohadrecoveredhervigorofmind，reliedupontheinnocenceoftheaccused，anddespisedthecommunitytoomuchtobefrightenedbythesternandsilentdisapprovaltheymetwitheverywhere。ShesustainedthecourageofMonsieurandMadamed’Hauteserre，allthewhilethinkingofthejudicialstrugglewhichwasnowbeinghurriedon。Shewas，however，toreceiveablowshelittleexpected，which，undoubtedly，diminishedhercourage。
Inthemidstofthisgreatdisaster，atthemomentwhenthisafflictedfamilyweremadetofeelthemselves，asitwere，inadesert，amansuddenlybecameexaltedinLaurence’seyesandshowedthefullbeautyofhischaracter。Thedayaftertheindictmentwasfoundbythejury，andtheprisonerswerefinallycommittedfortrial，theMarquisdeChargeboeufcourageouslyappeared，stillinthesameoldcaleche，tosupportandprotecthisyoungcousin。Foreseeingthehastewithwhichthelawwouldbeadministered，thischiefofagreatfamilyhadalreadygonetoParisandsecuredtheservicesofthemostableaswellasthemosthonestlawyeroftheoldschool，namedBordin，whowasfortenyearscounselofthenobilityinParis，andwasultimatelysucceededbythecelebratedDerville。ThisexcellentlawyerchoseforhisassistantthegrandsonofaformerpresidentoftheparliamentofNormandy，whosestudieshadbeenmadeunderhistuition。Thisyounglawyer，whowasdestinedtobeappointeddeputy-attorney-generalinParisaftertheconclusionofthepresenttrial，becameeventuallyoneofthemostcelebratedofFrenchmagistrates。MonsieurdeGrandville，forthatwashisname，acceptedthedefenceofthefouryoungmen，beinggladofanopportunitytomakehisfirstappearanceasanadvocatewithdistinction。
Theoldmarquis，alarmedattheravageswhichtroubleshadwroughtinLaurence’sappearance，wascharminglykindandconsiderate。Hemadenoallusiontohisneglectedadvice；hepresentedBordinasanoraclewhosecounselmustbefollowedtotheletter，andyoungdeGrandvilleasadefenderinwhomtheutmostconfidencemightbeplaced。
Laurenceheldoutherhandtothekindoldman，andpressedhiswithaneagernesswhichdelightedhim。
\"Youwereright，\"shesaid。
\"Willyounowtakemyadvice？\"heasked。
Theyoungcountessbowedherheadinassent，asdidMonsieurandMadamed’Hauteserre。
\"Well，then，cometomyhouse；itisinthemiddleoftown，closetothecourthouse。Youandyourlawyerswillbebetterofftherethanhere，whereyouarecrowdedandtoofarfromthefieldofbattle。
Here，youwouldhavetocrossthetowntwiceaday。\"
Laurence，accepted，andtheoldmantookherwithMadamed’Hauteserretohishouse，whichbecamethehomeoftheCinq-Cygnehouseholdandthelawyersofthedefenceduringthewholetimethetriallasted。
Afterdinner，whenthedoorswereclosed，BordinmadeLaurencerelateeverycircumstanceoftheaffair，entreatinghertoomitnothing，notthemosttriflingdetail。ThoughmanyofthefactshadalreadybeentoldtohimandhisyoungassistantbythemarquisontheirjourneyfromParistoTroyes，Bordinlistened，hisfeetonthefender，withoutobtrudinghimselfintotherecital。Theyounglawyer，however，couldnothelpbeingdividedbetweenhisadmirationforMademoiselledeCinq-Cygne，andtheattentionhewasboundtogivetothefactsofhiscase。
\"Isthatreallyall？\"askedBordinwhenLaurencehadrelatedtheeventsofthedramajustasthepresentnarrativehasgiventhemuptothepresenttime。
\"Yes，\"sheanswered。
ProfoundsilencereignedforseveralminutesinthesalonoftheChargeboeufmansionwherethisscenetookplace，——oneofthemostimportantwhichoccurinlife。Allcasesarejudgedbythecounsellorsengagedinthem，justasthedeathorlifeorapatientisforeseenbyaphysician，beforethefinalstrugglewhichtheonesustainsagainstnature，theotheragainstlaw。Laurence，MonsieurandMadamed’Hauteserre，andthemarquissatwiththeireyesfixedontheswarthyanddeeplypittedfaceoftheoldlawyer，whowasnowtopronouncethewordsoflifeordeath。Monsieurd’Hauteserrewipedthesweatfromhisbrow。Laurencelookedattheyoungermanandnotedhissaddenedface。
\"Well，mydearBordin？\"saidthemarquisatlast，holdingouthissnuffbox，fromwhichtheoldlawyertookapinchinanabsent-mindedway。
Bordinrubbedthecalfofhisleg，coveredwiththickstockingsofblackrawsilk，forhealwaysworeblackclothbreechesandacoatmadesomewhatintheshapeofthosewhicharenowtermed/alaFrancaise/。Hecasthisshrewdeyesuponhisclientswithananxiousexpression，theeffectofwhichwasicy。
\"MustIanalyzeallthat？\"hesaid；\"amItospeakfrankly？\"
\"Yes；goon，monsieur，\"saidLaurence。
\"Allthatyouhaveinnocentlydonecanbeconvertedintoproofagainstyou，\"saidtheoldlawyer。\"Wecannotsaveyourfriends；wecanonlyreducethepenalty。ThesalewhichyouinducedMichutomakeofhispropertywillbetakenasevidentproofofyourcriminalintentionsagainstthesenator。YousentyourservantstoTroyessothatyoumightbealone；thatisallthemoreplausiblebecauseitisactuallytrue。Theelderd’HauteserremadeanunfortunatespeechtoBeauvisage，whichwillbeyourruin。Youyourself，mademoiselle，madeanotherinyourowncourtyard，whichprovesthatyouhavelongshownill-willtothepossessorofGondreville。Besides，youwereatthegateofthe/rond-point/，apparentlyonthewatch，aboutthetimewhentheabductiontookplace；iftheyhavenotarrestedyou，itissolelybecausetheyfeartobringasentimentalelementintotheaffair。\"
\"Thecasecannotbesuccessfullydefended，\"saidMonsieurdeGrandville。
\"Thelessso，\"continuedBordin，\"becausewecannottellthewholetruth。MichuandtheMessieursdeSimeuseandd’HauteserremustholdtotheassertionthatyoumerelywentforanexcursionintotheforestandreturnedtoCinq-Cygneforluncheon。Allowingthatwecanshowyouwereinthehouseatthreeo’clocktheexacthouratwhichtheattackwasmade，whoareourwitnesses？Marthe，thewifeofoneoftheaccused，theDurieus，andCatherine，yourownservants，andMonsieurandMadamed’Hauteserre，fatherandmotheroftwooftheaccused。Suchtestimonyisvalueless；thelawdoesnotadmititagainstyou，andcommonsenserejectsitwhengiveninyourfavor。If，ontheotherhand，youweretosayyouwenttotheforesttorecoverelevenhundredthousandfrancsingold，youwouldsendtheaccusedtothegalleysasrobbers。Judge，jury，audience，andthewholeofFrancewouldbelievethatyoutookthatgoldfromGondreville，andabductedthesenatorthatyoumightransackhishouse。Theaccusationasitnowstandsisnotwhollyclear，buttellthetruthaboutthematteranditwouldbecomeasplainasday；thejurywoulddeclarethattherobberyexplainedthemysteriousfeatures，——forinthesedays，youmustremember，aroyalistmeansathief。Thisverycaseiswelcomedasalegitimatepoliticalvengeance。Theprisonersarenowindangerofthedeathpenalty；butthatisnotdishonoringundersomecircumstances。
Whereas，iftheycanbeprovedtohavestolenmoney，whichcanneverbemadetoseemexcusable，youloseallbenefitofwhateverinterestmayattachtopersonscondemnedtodeathforothercrimes。If，atthefirst，youhadshownthehiding-placesofthetreasure，theplanoftheforest，thetubesinwhichthegoldwasburied，andthegolditself，asanexplanationofyourday’swork，itispossibleyoumighthavebeenbelievedbyanimpartialmagistrate，butasitiswemustbesilent。Godgrantthatnoneoftheprisonersmayrevealthetruthandcompromisethedefence；iftheydo，wemustrelyonourcross-
examinations。\"
Laurencewrungherhandsindespairandraisedhereyestoheavenwithadespondentlook，forshesawatlastinallitsdepthsthegulfintowhichhercousinshadfallen。ThemarquisandtheyounglawyeragreedwiththedreadfulviewofBordin。Oldd’Hauteserrewept。
\"Ah！whydidtheynotlistentotheAbbeGoujetandfly！\"criedMadamed’Hauteserre，exasperated。
\"Iftheycouldhaveescaped，andyoupreventedthem，\"saidBordin，\"youhavekilledthemyourselves。Judgmentbydefaultgainstime；timeenablestheinnocenttoclearthemselves。ThisisthemostmysteriouscaseIhaveeverknowninmylife，inthecourseofwhichIhavecertainlyseenandknownmanystrangethings。\"
\"Itisinexplicabletoeveryone，eventous，\"saidMonsieurdeGrandville。\"Iftheprisonersareinnocentsomeoneelsehascommittedthecrime。Fivepersonsdonotcometoaplaceasifbyenchantment，obtainfivehorsesshodpreciselylikethoseoftheaccused，imitatetheappearanceofsomeofthem，andputMalinapparentlyundergroundforthesolepurposeofcastingsuspiciononMichuandthefourgentlemen。Theunknownguiltypartiesmusthavehadsomestrongreasonforwearingtheskin，asitwere，offiveinnocentmen。Todiscoverthem，eventogetupontheirtraces，weneedasmuchpowerasthegovernmentitself，asmanyagentsandasmanyeyesastherearetownshipsinaradiusoffiftymiles。\"
\"Thethingisimpossible，\"saidBordin。\"There’snousethinkingofit。Sincesocietyinventedlawithasneverfoundawaytogiveaninnocentprisoneranequalchanceagainstamagistratewhoispre-
disposedagainsthim。Lawisnotbilateral。Thedefence，withoutspiesorpolice，cannotcallsocialpowertotherescueofitsinnocentclients。Innocencehasnothingonhersidebutreason，andreasoningwhichmaystrikeajudgeisoftenpowerlessonthenarrowmindsofjurymen。Thewholedepartmentisagainstyou。Theeightjurorswhohavesignedtheindictmentareeachandallpurchasersofnationaldomain。Amongthetrialjurorswearecertaintohavesomewhohaveeithersoldorboughtthesameproperty。Inshort，wecangetnothingbutaMalinjury。Youmustthereforesetupaconsistentdefence，holdfasttoit，andperishinyourinnocence。Youwillcertainlybecondemned。Butthere’sacourtofappeal；wewillgothereandtrytoremainthereaslongaspossible。Ifinthemeantimewecancollectproofsinyourfavoryoumustapplyforpardon。That’stheanatomyofthebusiness，andmyadvice。Ifwetriumphforeverythingispossibleinlawitwillbeamiracle；butyouradvocateMonsieurdeGrandvilleisthemostlikelymanamongallIknowtoproducethatmiracle，andI’lldomybesttohelphim。\"
\"Thesenatorhasthekeytothemystery，\"saidMonsieurdeGrandville；
\"foramanknowshisenemiesandwhytheyareso。HerewefindhimleavingParisatthecloseofthewinter，comingtoGondrevillealone，shuttinghimselfupwithhisnotary，anddeliveringhimselfover，asonemightsay，tofivemenwhoseizehim。\"
\"Certainly，\"saidBordin，\"hisconductseemsinexplicable。Buthowcouldwe，inthefaceofahostilecommunity，becomeaccuserswhenweourselvesaretheaccused？Weshouldneedthehelpandgood-willofthegovernmentandathousandtimesmoreproofthaniswantedinordinarycircumstances。Iamconvincedtherewaspremeditation，andsubtlepremeditation，onthepartofourmysteriousadversaries，whomusthaveknownthesituationofMichuandtheMessieursdeSimeusetowardsMalin。Nottoutteroneword；nottostealonething！——
remarkableprudence！Iseesomethingverydifferentfromordinaryevil-doersbehindthosemasks。Butwhatwouldbetheuseofsayingsotothesortofjurorsweshallhavetoface？\"
ThisinsightintohiddenmatterswhichgivessuchpowertocertainlawyersandcertainmagistratesastonishedandconfoundedLaurence；
herheartwaswrungbythatinexorablelogic。
\"Outofeveryhundredcriminalcases，\"continuedBordin，\"therearenottenwherethelawreallylaysbarethetruthtoitsfullextent；
andthereisperhapsagoodthirdinwhichthetruthisneverbroughttolightatall。Yoursisoneofthosecaseswhichareinexplicabletoallparties，toaccusedandaccusers，tothelawandtothepublic。AsfortheEmperor，hehasotherfishtofrythantoconsiderthecaseofthesegentlemen，supposingeventhattheyhadnotconspiredagainsthim。Butwhothedevil/is/Malin’senemy？andwhathasreallybeendonewithhim？\"
BordinandMonsieurdeGrandvillelookedateachother；theyseemedindoubtastoLaurence’sveracity。Thisevidentsuspicionwasthemostcuttingofallthemanypangsthegirlhadsufferedintheaffair；andsheturneduponthelawyersalookwhicheffectuallyputanendtotheirdistrust。
Thenextdaytheindictmentwashandedovertothedefence，andthelawyerswerethenenabledtocommunicatewiththeprisoners。Bordininformedthefamilythatthesixaccusedmenwere\"wellsupported，\"——
usingaprofessionalterm。
\"MonsieurdeGrandvillewilldefendMichu，\"saidBordin。
\"Michu！\"exclaimedtheMarquisdeChargeboeuf，amazedatthechange。
\"Heisthepivotoftheaffair——thedangerliesthere，\"repliedtheoldlawyer。
\"Ifheismoreindangerthantheothers，Ithinkthatisjust，\"criedLaurence。
\"Weseecertainchances，\"saidMonsieurdeGrandville，\"andweshallstudythemcarefully。IfweareabletosavethesegentlemenitwillbebecauseMonsieurd’HauteserreorderedMichutorepaironeofthestonepostsinthecoveredway，andalsobecauseawolfhasbeenseenintheforest；inacriminalcourteverythingdependsondiscussions，anddiscussionsoftenturnontrivialmatterswhichthenbecomeofimmenseimportance。\"
Laurencesankintothatinwarddejectionwhichhumiliatesthesoulofallthoughtfulandenergeticpersonswhentheuselessnessofthoughtandactionismademanifesttothem。Itwasnolongeramatterofoverthrowingausurper，orofcomingtothehelpofdevotedfriends，——
fanaticalsympathieswrappedinashroudofmystery。Shenowsawallsocialforcesfull-armedagainsthercousinsandherself。Therewasnotakingaprisonbyassaultwithherownhands，nodeliveranceofprisonersfromthemidstofahostilepopulationandbeneaththeeyesofawatchfulpolice。So，whentheyounglawyer，alarmedatthestuporofthegenerousandnoblegirl，whichthenaturalexpressionofherfacemadestillmorenoticeable，endeavoredtorevivehercourage，sheturnedtohimandsaid:\"Imustbesilent；Isuffer，——Iwait。\"