The Murders in the Rue Morgue

life⁠—were reputed to have money. Had heard it said among the neighbors that Madame L. told fortunes⁠—did not believe it. Had never seen any person enter the door except the old lady and her daughter, a porter once or twice, and a physician some eight or ten times. “Many other persons, neighbors, gave evidence to the same effect. No one was spoken of as frequenting the house. It was not known whether there were any living connections of Madame L. and her daughter. The shutters of the front windows were seldom opened. Those in the rear were always closed, with the exception of the large back room, fourth story. The house was a good house⁠—not very old. “ Isidore Musèt, gendarme , deposes that he was called to the house about three o’clock in the morning, and found some twenty or thirty persons at the gateway, endeavoring to gain admittance. Forced it open, at length, with a bayonet⁠—not with a crowbar. Had but little difficulty in getting it open, on account of its being a double or folding gate, and bolted neither at bottom not top. The shrieks were continued until the gate was forced⁠—and then suddenly ceased. They seemed to be screams of some person (or persons) in great agony⁠—were loud and drawn out, not short and quick. Witness led the way upstairs. Upon reaching the first landing, heard two voices in loud and angry contention⁠—the one a gruff voice, the other much shriller⁠—a very strange voice. Could distinguish some words of the former, which was that of a Frenchman. Was positive that it was not a woman’s voice. Could distinguish the words ‘ sacré ’ and ‘ diable .’ The shrill voice was that of a foreigner. Could not be sure