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The president put it to the vote, and it was decided that the investigation should take place The count was asked what tie had revived when he found himself alive after this horrible blow "My lords," answered he, "it is not by time I could repel the attack made on me by enemies unknown to me, and, doubtless, hidden in obscurity; it is immediately, and by a thunderbolt, that Iwhich, for aup this defence, shed ues that I am their equal in worth" These words made a favorable impression on behalf of the accused "I demand, then, that the examination shall take place as soon as possible, and I will furnish the house with all necessary information"
"What day do you fix?" asked the president
"To-day I a the bell "Does the House approve that the examination should take place to-day?"
"Yes," was the unanimous answer
A committee of twelve ht forward by Morcerf The investigation would begin at eight o'clock that evening in the committee-roos would be resu at the same hour Morcerf asked leave to retire; he had to collect the docuainst this storacity had foreseen
Albert listened, treain with shauilty, and he asked hiuilty, he could prove his innocence Beauchamp hesitated to continue his narrative "What next?" asked Albert
"What next? My friend, you impose a painful task on me Must you know all?"
"Absolutely; and rather from your lips than another's"
"Muster up all your courage, then, for never have you required it more" Albert passed his hand over his forehead, as if to try his strength, as ato defend his life proves his shield and bends his sword He thought hiy "Go on," said he
"The evening arrived; all Paris was in expectation Many said your father had only to show hiainst him; many others said he would not appear; while some asserted that they had seen him start for Brussels; and others went to the police-office to inquire if he had taken out a passport I used allpeer of alleries He called for me at seven o'clock, and, before any one had arrived, asked one of the door-keepers to place ht witness the whole of the terrible scene which was about to take place At eight o'clock all were in their places, and M de Morcerf entered at the last stroke He held some papers in his hand; his countenance was calreat care in his military uniform, which was buttoned coood effect The committee was made up of Liberals, several of whom came forward to shake hands with him"