P.—In the marshes?
A.—But, sir, I smoked five or six cigars during the evening, which means that I had to repeat the operation a dozen times at least, and in different places,—in the woods and on the high-road. Each time I quenched the fire with my fingers; and, as the powder is always greasy, my hands naturally became soon as black as those of a charcoal-burner.
The accused gives this explanation in a perfectly natural but still rather excited manner, which seems to make a great impression.
P.—Let us go on to your gun. Do you recognize it?
A.—Yes, sir. May I look at it?
P.—Yes.
The accused takes up the gun with feverish eagerness, snaps the two cocks, and puts one of his fingers inside the barrels.
He turns crimson, and, bending down to his counsel, says a few words to them so quickly and so low, that they do not reach us.
P.—What is the matter?
M. MAGLOIRE.—(Rising.) A fact has become patent which at once establishes the innocence of M. de Boiscoran. By providential intercession, his servant Anthony had cleaned the gun two days before the day of the crime. It appears now that one of the barrels is still clean, and in good condition. Hence it cannot be M. de Boiscoran who has fired twice at Count Claudieuse.