Chapter 21

14 MURDERS IN THE RUE MORGUE The state of the room and of the bodies was described by this witness as we described them yesterday. “Henri Duval , a neighbor, and by trade a silversmith, deposes that he was one of the party who first entered the house. Corroborates the testimony of Muset in general. As soon as they forced an entrance, they reclosed the door to keep out the crowd, which collected very fast, notwithstanding the lateness of the hour. The shrill voice, this witness thinks, was that of an Italian. Was certain it was not French. Could not be sure that it was a man’s voice. It might have been a woman’s. Was not acquainted with the Italian language. Could not distinguish the words, but was convinced by the intonation that the speaker was an Italian. Knew Madame L. and her daughter. Had conversed with both frequently. Was sure that the shrill voice was not that of either of the deceased. r-Odenheimer, restaurateur . — -This witness volunteered his testimony. Not speaking French, was examined through an interpreter. Is a native of Amsterdam. Was passing the house at the time of the shrieks. They lasted for several minutes — probably ten. They were long and loud — very awful and distressing. Was one of those who entered the building. Corroborated the previous evidence in every respect but one. Was sure that the shrill voice was that of a man — of a Frenchman. Could not distinguish the words uttered. They were loud and quick — unequal — spoken apparently in fear as well as in anger. The voice was harsh — not so much shrill as harsh. Could not call it a shrill voice. The grufif voice said repeatedly Csacre / * diable / and once ‘mon Dieuf “Jules Mignaud, banker, of the firm of Mignaud et Fils, Rue Deloraine. — Is the elder Mignaud. Madame L’Espanaye had some property. Had opened an account with his banking-house in the spring of the year (eight years previously). Made frequent deposits in small sums. Had checked for nothing until the third day before her