"Very good. Then you can take out a warrant for his arrest as a murderer, after hearing my evidence."
"Can you prove him guilty?"
Jen rose to his feet and stretched out one hand toward Arkel.
"I swear, on my sacred honor, that Maurice Alymer was killed by Max Etwald!"
At this moment the door of the library opened slowly, and Dr. Etwald, calm and composed, appeared on the threshold. Behind him, over his shoulder, peered the pale countenance of David. From the ironical look on the doctor's face it would appear that he had overheard the accusation of the major, and was prepared to treat it with contempt. That such was the case appeared by the first words which issued from his mouth as he faced his accuser.
"I hear the name of Max Etwald coupled with the crime of murder. Is this the way you treat your guests, major?"
"You are not my guest," retorted Jen, furiously.
"No; rather your victim, seeing that you have lured me into a trap. It was not to see Jaggard that you asked me here; but rather to force me--if you can--into confessing that I am guilty of a triple crime."
"You make one slight mistake, sir," said Jen, coldly. "I accuse you of two crimes, not of three."
"Ah, you are lenient," replied Etwald, a shade of surprise passing over his features, a surprise which was reflected in the agitated face of David Sarby.