“Speak, will you!” snapped the Commissary.
“I beg you to explain,” said Aurelie in an imploring tone.
He smiled at her and said: “You’re afraid of the big policemen, Mademoiselle, and you don’t want any of their politeness. You’re right. We will explain.” Then in a more serious tone he went on: “I will explain, since you ask me, Marescal. To speak is as good as to act, sometimes, and nothing equals the solid reality of certain words. If I am master of the situation, I am master of it for reasons still secret, but which I must now reveal, if I wish to give my victory unshakeable foundations—and convince you.”
“Of what?”
“Of the absolute innocence of this young lady,” said Ralph firmly.
“Indeed?” sneered Marescal. “She is not a murderess?”
“No.”
“And perhaps you’re not a murderer either?” [[225]]
“No.”
“Then who did commit the murders?”