"His wife was dead, and he had come to tell Malet."
[CHAPTER XIII.]
THE END OF THE STORY.
"His wife was dead," repeated Van Zwieten, without showing much sympathy, "and he came down to tell you!"
"No, he came to tell Malet."
"And kill him?"
Scarse shook his head. "I am telling you the truth," he said. "If Robert were guilty I should admit it. The poor fellow is crazy, as you know, and at the worst can only be put away in an asylum again. I am not afraid for him, but I fear a public scandal, which might shake my position and force me to resign my seat. No, Robert did not kill the man. But he met him and told him the truth."
"About what hour was that?"
"Shortly after nine o'clock. I met Robert wandering in the orchards at a quarter past, and I took him home with me. Malet, according to the doctor's evidence, was shot about half-past nine. At that time Robert was conversing with me in my study."
"But he met Malet," insisted Van Zwieten, rather disappointed at this statement, which he had every reason to believe was true.