This shrewd observation elicited a smile from Lecoq.  “That difference,” he replied, seriously, “is something, of course; but it was not that which decided me in my opinion.  If greater or less perfection of the extremities regulated social distinctions, many mistresses would be servants.  What struck me was this:  when the two women rushed wildly from Mother Chupin’s house, the woman with the small feet sprang across the garden with one bound, she darted on some distance in advance of the other.  The terror of the situation, the vileness of the den, the horror of the scandal, the thought of safety, inspired her with marvelous energy.  But her strength, as often happens with delicate and nervous women, lasted only a few seconds.  She was not half-way from the Poivriere when her speed relaxed, her limbs trembled.  Ten steps farther on she tottered and almost fell.  Some steps farther, and she became so exhausted that she let go her hold upon her skirts; they trailed upon the snow, tracing a faint circle there.  Then the woman with the broad feet came to aid her.  She seized her companion round the waist; she dragged her along; their footprints here are mingled confusedly; then, seeing that her friend was about to fall, she caught her up in her strong arms and carried her—­for you will see that the footprints made by the woman with the small feet suddenly cease at this point.”

Was Lecoq merely amusing himself by inventing this story?  Was this scene anything but a work of imagination?  Was the accent of deep and sincere conviction which he imparted to his words only feigned?

Father Absinthe was still in doubt, but he thought of a way in which he might satisfy his uncertainty.  He caught up the lantern and hurried off to examine these footprints which he had not known how to read, which had been speechless to him, but which yielded their secret to another.  He was obliged to agree with his companion.  All that Lecoq had described was written there; he saw the confused footprints, the circle made by the sweeping skirts, the cessation of the tiny imprints.

On his return, his countenance betrayed a respectful and astonished admiration, and it was with a shade of embarrassment that he said:  “You can scarcely blame an old man for being a little like St. Thomas.  ’I have touched it with my fingers,’ and now I am content to follow you.”

The young police agent could not, indeed, blame his colleague for his incredulity.  Resuming his recital, he continued:  “Then the accomplice, who had heard the fugitives coming, ran to meet them, and he aided the woman with large feet in carrying her companion.  The latter must have been really ill, for the accomplice took off his hat and used it in brushing the snow off this log.  Then, thinking the surface was not yet dry enough, he wiped it with the skirt of his overcoat.  Were these civilities pure gallantry, or the usual attentions of an inferior?  I have asked myself that question.  This much,