"I think so!"

"And it is that same equerry who sent you to this house under the guise of Mora, the Mauritanian? Was it in order to disguise yourself that you painted your face?"

"Yes—that is all so."

"You were to spy upon your mistress, were you not?—and then poison her? Speak! If you believe in a God—if your infernal soul dares at this supreme moment to implore his help—you have but a minute to live—Speak!"

"Have pity upon me!"

"Confess your crime—you committed it under orders of Tetrik? Speak!"

"Yes, I was ordered by Tetrik."

"When—how did he give you the order to execute that crime?"

"When I entered the room the second time—after I was sent to bring Captain Paul, who was to arrest Tetrik."

"And the poison—you poured it into the drink that you were to present to your mistress?"