de Vilain drew up," she
answered simply; "and afterwards, when he had descended,
disengaged."
I looked at her in profound amazement.
"Your brother acted on instructions?" I said at last.
"On mine," she answered.
"You avow that?"
"I am here to do so," she replied, her face white and red by
turns, but her eyes continuing to meet mine.
"This is a very serious matter," I said. "Are you aware,
mademoiselle, why M. Vilain was arrested, and of what he is
accused?"
"Perfectly," she answered; "and that he is innocent. More!" she
continued, clasping her hands, and looking at me bravely, "I am
willing both to tell you where he is, and to bring him, if you
please, into your presence."
I stared at her. "You will bring him here?" I said.
"Within five minutes," she answered, "if you will first hear me."
"What are you to him?" I said.
She blushed vividly. "I shall be his wife or no one's," she
said; and she looked a moment at my wife.
"Well, say what you have to say!" I cried roughly.
"This paper, which it is alleged that he stole--it was not found
on him; but in the hollow of a tree.
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