interstices of wicker was a narrow line of red reed, blackened here and

there by the action of water and of time.

The reed, notwithstanding some breakages, traced distinctly in the

wicker-work these twelve letters--Hardquanonne.

Then the sheriff, resuming that monotonous tone of voice which resembles

nothing else, and which may be termed a judicial accent, turned towards

the sufferer.

Hardquanonne! when by us, the sheriff, this bottle, on which is your

name, was for the first time shown, exhibited, and presented to you, you

at once, and willingly, recognized it as having belonged to you. Then,

the parchment being read to you which was contained, folded and enclosed

within it, you would say no more; and in the hope, doubtless, that the

lost child would never be recovered, and that you would escape

punishment, you refuse to answer. As the result of your refusal, you

have had applied to you the peine forte et dure; and the second

reading of the said parchment, on which is written the declaration and

confession of your accomplices, was made to you, but in vain.

This is the fourth day, and that which is legally set apart for the

confrontation, and he who was deserted on the twenty-ninth of January,

one thousand six hundred and ninety, having been brought into your

presence, your devilish hope has vanished, you have broken silence, and

recognized your victim."

631

The Man Who Laughs