It was but seldom that the Baron’s manner lost the suavity but he was upset for he realized that he had been guilty of an unforgivable sin—an error in tactics. However, the events of the next few days reassured him somewhat, for Gaunt made no sign. In fact several meetings on the Congo question had been canceled and he began to grow rather uneasy.
“Have I frightened him?” he asked himself.
But instinct told him that Gaunt was not the man to be beaten so easily and he wondered what was to be the next move. He had seen Lady Mildred leave the court during the trial, and had ascertained that she had gone to Lynton House. Therefore it was natural to suppose that husband and wife had quarreled, and he realized that Gaunt must be greatly embittered by the false story that he had put forward. To add to the Baron’s discomfort, the authorities in Belgium were very displeased with what had happened, and their letters had expressed their opinions very forcibly. The Baron, for the first time, was glad that his late master was dead for King Leopold would have shown him no mercy.
However, witnesses were sent over from Brussels, and amongst them was the official who had made inquiries into Marillier’s death. This gentleman’s name was M. Bouvais and his instructions were to proceed to the Baron’s hotel.
“You are prepared to give evidence?” De Croiseuil asked curtly in French.
“Certainly, your Excellency, but I speak very little English.”
“That doesn’t matter. But, stay, I will translate to you what our counsel, M. Ruggles—mon dieu what a name!—what the counsel said at the court.”
Bouvais listened attentively, and his face was expressive of blank amazement.
“Now you know what your evidence will be. It is not difficult to remember,” the Baron wound up cheerfully.
“But it is not the truth. I examined the facts and judged that Gaunt was justified in shooting Marillier. The man was canaille,” Bouvais said quietly.