Chapter 115

108 MURDERS IN THE RUE MORGUE “ ‘Take !’ said Abernethy, ‘why, take advice , to be sure/ ” “But/’ said the Prefect, a little discomposed, “’ “In that case,” replied Dupin, opening a drawer and producing a check-book, “you may as well fill me up a check for the amount mentioned. When you have signed it, I will hand you the letter.” I was astounded. The Prefect appeared absolutely thunder-stricken. For some minutes he remained speechless and motionless, looking incredulously at my friend with open mouth, and eyes that seemed starting from their sockets ; then, apparently recovering himself in some measure, he seized a pen, and after several pauses and vacant stares, finally filled up and signed a check for fifty thousand francs, and handed it across the table to Dupin. The latter examined it carefully and deposited it in his pocketbook; then, unlocking an escritoire , took thence a letter and gave it to the Prefect. This functionary grasped it in a perfect agony of joy, opened it with a trembling hand, cast a rapid glance at its contents, and then scrambling and struggling to the door, rushed at length unceremoniously from the room and from the house, without having uttered a syllable since Dupin had requested him to fill up the check. When he had gone my friend entered into some explanations. “The Parisian police,” he said, “are exceedingly able in their way. They are persevering, ingenious, cunning, and thoroughly versed in the knowledge which their duties seem chiefly to demand. Thus, when G-detailed to us his mode of searching the premises at the Hotel D , I felt entire confidence in his having made a satisfactory investigation — so far as his labors extended.” “So far as his labors extended?” said I.