They became hungry for news, welcoming the most absurd rumours.

At one time the rumour spread that Monsieur Stangerson himself had been arrested in the court and had confessed to being the murderer.

This goes to show to what a pitch of madness nervous excitement may carry people.

Rouletabille was still expected.

Some pretended to know him; and when a young man with a "pass" crossed the open space which separated the crowd from the Court House, a scuffle took place.