Lieut. "Should you suppose that the Baron had made any defence?"
P. Dubourg. "Evidently none, Monsieur."
Michel Perrin, gendarme in the Baillage of St. Flour, corroborated the testimony of Paul Dubourg.
Monsieur Berthet, Surgeon, was then called for. He testified that the Baron de Pradines had died of a fracture of the skull caused by a wound in the temple. The wound was given by a musket-ball, which had struck him three-quarters of an inch above the eyebrow, and entered the brain, He (M. Berthet) had extracted the ball, which he now laid before the Court. From the wound being inflicted in the front of the head, witness concluded that he must have been face to face with the assassin. At the same time, the fact of none of his own weapons being used countenanced the probability of a surprise. Could not conceive how it was possible that two shots should have been fired without the Baron's offering any resistance. Had the first taken effect, there was then no need of a second: whereas, if the first failed, the Baron would surely have defended himself against a second. Had no more to say, and left the witness-box.
Louis Masson, groom to Madame de Peyrelade, was next examined.
Lieut. of Police. "You were in the stables when Monsieur de Fontane returned on the evening of All Saints' Day?"
L. Masson. "I was, Monsieur le Lieutenant."
Lieut. "In what condition was his horse when he arrived?"
L. Masson. "The horse was covered with sweat, and appeared to have been ridden fast. It trembled a good deal likewise, as if it had been frightened, and there were some spots of blood on the chest and knees. The saddle was also spotted with blood."
Lieut. "How did M. de Fontane seem when he rode in?"