Fred's calculation was an excellent one,
as the success of his search proves. That escaped me; but my mind
was turned in another direction by the large number of false
indications of his track which the murderer left, and by the measure
of the black foot-marks corresponding with that of Daddy Jacques's
boots, which I had established without his suspecting it, on the
floor of The Yellow Room. All which was a proof, in my eyes, that
the murderer had sought to turn suspicion on to the old servant. Up
to that point, Larsan and I are in accord; but no further. It is
going to be a terrible matter; for I tell you he is working on wrong
lines, and I--I, must fight him with nothing!"
I was surprised at the profoundly grave accent with which my young
friend pronounced the last words.
He repeated:
"Yes terrible!--terrible! For it is fighting with nothing, when
you have only an idea to fight with."
At that moment we passed by the back of the chateau. Night had come.
A window on the first floor was partly open. A feeble light came
from it as well as some sounds which drew our attention.
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