I found there under their bed, some springs and brass wire.

'Ah!' I thought, 'these things explain why they were out in the park at night!' I was not surprised at the dogged silence they maintained before the examining magistrate, even under the accusation so grave as that of being accomplices in the crime.

Poaching would save them from the Assize Court, but it would lose them their places; and, as they were perfectly sure of their innocence of the crime they hoped it would soon be established, and then their poaching might go on as usual.

They could always confess later.

I, however, hastened their confession by means of the document Monsieur Stangerson signed.
They gave all the necessary 'proofs,' were set at liberty, and have now a lively gratitude for me.