His defence of his friend was a eulogy.
Nevertheless, the revelations of Juve did not simplify the problem as regards the grave charges of murder and spying brought against the prisoner.
When Juve had finished his panegyric, the president spoke to the point:
"All this is very well, gentlemen, very well—but the affair grows more and more complicated, and who will come forward to elucidate it?"
From the back of the court came a sound, sharp-cut, clear:
"I!"
The sensation was immense. Members of the Council looked at one another. There was a disturbance at the back of the room: the crowd swayed, and peered, and whispered.
The colonel-president frowned. He scrutinised the close-packed swaying mass. He shot a question at it.
"Who spoke?"
Sharp, distinct, a monosyllable was shot back.