Again Anton sprang to his feet, but Nick lifted the muzzle of a revolver to his breast, and he sat down again.
Mrs. Maynard bowed her head and sobbed audibly. Charley moved nearer to the accused man. Bernice stared like one under a spell, first at Mrs. Maynard and then at Anton, who sat with his eyes fixed reproachfully on his mother.
Nick understood the meaning of that look, and said:
“Don’t blame your mother. I knew the truth before she confessed to the scene in the dead man’s room last night.”
“You are a devil,” cried Bernice. “If I had only shot straight.”
“It would have been better for you if you had not shot at all,” said Nick, “for that was what made me certain of your complicity in the diamond robbery.”
“You lie! You lie! I know nothing about it,” shouted the girl.
“Wait,” said Nick coolly, “and I will tell the story of the robbery and the murder.”