Old Tabaret did not consider himself defeated, because he had been repulsed by the investigating magistrate, already irritated by a long day's examination.

You may call it a fault, or an accomplishment; but the old man was more obstinate than a mule.

To the excess of despair to which he succumbed in the passage outside the magistrate's office, there soon succeeded that firm resolution which is the enthusiasm called forth by danger.

The feeling of duty got the upper hand.

Was it a time to yield to unworthy despair, when the life of a fellow-man depended on each minute?
Inaction would be unpardonable.