The other's a button torn
off some one's coat."
"Have you any idea whose blood and whose coat?"
"The blood I don't know. The button, I believe, is off Mr. Gard's
coat,"--at which another growl and hum went round.
"And you know nothing more about the matter?"
"That's all I know."
"Very well. Sit down. Mr. Gard!" and Gard pushed his way among
unyielding legs and shoulders, and stood before the grave-faced men at
the table.
They all knew him and had all come to esteem what they knew of him. They
knew also of his difficulties with his men, and that there was a certain
feeling against him in some quarters. Not one of them thought it likely
he had done this dreadful thing. But--there was no knowing to what
lengths even a decent man might go in anger. All their brows pinched a
little at sight of his torn coat and missing button.
He was duly sworn, and the Senechal bade him tell all he knew of the
matter.
"That button is mine," he said quietly, holding out the lapel of his
coat for all to see. "If there is blood on that stone it is mine
also"--at which a growling laugh of derision went round the spectators.
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