"What about this murder?" asked the Advocate abruptly.
"What about it, then?" demanded Gautran. The questions asked by the Advocate were more judicial than friendly, and he assumed an air of defiance.
"Speak in a different tone. I am here to assist you, if I see my way. You have no lawyer to defend you?"
"How should I get one? What lawyer works without pay, and where should I find the money to pay him?"
"Heed what I say. I do not ask you if you are innocent or guilty of the crime of which you stand charged, for that is a formula and, guilty or not guilty, you would return but one answer. Have you anything to tell me?"
"I can't think of anything."
"You have led an evil life."
"Not my fault. Can a man choose his own parents and his country? The life I have led I was born into; and that is to stand against me."
"Are there any witnesses who would come forward and speak in your favour?"
"None that I know of."