"After the shot was fired," corrected Mexton. "Remember, you did not see him until the girl was dead."
"He couldn't have fired the shot and then have fallen into a trance."
"Why not? The very act might excite his nerves to such a degree as to cause the trance. You know that these cataleptic states of Herne's are caused by violent emotion."
"But if he had fired the shot I should have found the pistol in his hand."
"He might have dropped it."
"No! I searched for it," said Lucas, obstinately, "and didn't find it."
"In your agitation you might have overlooked it," replied Paul as obstinately.
"Gentlemen, gentlemen," cried Drek, intervening in the matter; "this discussion is unprofitable. You may both be right, and both wrong. But we shall not arrive at any conclusion by such loose arguments. Let us begin at the beginning and state all the cases."
"What cases?" asked Lovel, abruptly.
"The cases against all those connected with the matter," said Drek. "Dr. Lester, Miss Clyde, this Polish violinist, yourself, Mr. Herne, and finally, Mr. Chaskin. There is strong evidence against each."