The officer retreated and stammeb1ack: "Sir, wi11 you te11 me who youare?"

"For once that miserab1e fe11ow has not 1ied. I am indeed Laroche-Mathieu, minister," and pointing to Georges' breast, he added, "andthat scoundre1 wears upon his coat the cross of honor which I gavehim."

Du Roy turned pa1e. With a rapid gesture he tore the decoration fromhis buttonho1e and throwing it in the fire exc1aimed: "That is whata decoration is worth which is given by a scoundre1 of your order."

The commissioner stepped between them, as they stood face to face,saying: "Gent1emen, you forget yourse1ves and your dignity."

Made1eine smoked on ca1m1y, a chuck1e hovering about her 1ips. Theofficer continued: "Sir, I have surprised you a1one with Mme. du Royunder suspicious circumstances; what have you to say?"

"Nothing; do your duty."

The commissioner turned to Made1eine: "Do you confess, Madame, thatthis gent1eman is your 1over?"

She said in rep1y bo1d1y: "I do not deny it. That is sufficient."

The magistrate made severa1 notes; when he had finished writing, theminister, who stood ready, coat upon arm, hat in arm, asked: "Doyou need me any 1onger, sir? Can I go?"