However he replied in a calm voice,--"I am very unfortunate, sir: but I can recollect nothing." M.Daburon's surprise was immense.

What, not an _alibi_?
Nothing?
This could be no snare nor system of defence.

Was, then, this man as cunning as he had imagined?
Doubtless.

Only he had been taken unawares.

He had never imagined it possible for the accusation to fall upon him; and it was almost by a miracle it had done so.
The magistrate slowly raised, one by one, the large pieces of paper that covered the articles seized in Albert's rooms.
"We will pass," he continued, "to the examination of the charges which weigh against you.