"It is, I should think," he said gravely, "past any man's believing
that, after asking Tom's sister to marry you, you should go straight
away and kill Tom, even in the hottest of hot blood, though men at such
times do not always know what they are doing. But you, from what I have
seen and heard of you, are not such a man. I am going to ask you one
question in the hope that your answer may have the effect of setting you
right with all who hear it. Before God--had you any hand in the death of
this man?--have you any further knowledge of the matter whatever?"
"Before God," said Gard solemnly, his uplifted right hand as steady as
a rock, "I had no hand in his death. I know nothing more whatever about
the matter."
"I believe you," said the Senechal.
"And I," said the Doctor.
"And I," said the Vicar gravely, and with much emotion.
But from the spectators there rose a dissentient murmur which caused the
Vicar to survey his unruly flock with mild amazement and
disapproval--much as the shepherd might if his sheep had suddenly shed
their fleeces and become wolves.
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