“Wait,” he cried as though thinking me about to rise. “There are questions yet.”
“Monsieur,” said De Baugis coldly. “If there are questions it is my place to ask them.”
“Ay,” angrily beating his hand on the board, “but it is plain to be seen the woman has bewitched you. No, I will not be denied; I am Commandant here, and with force enough behind me to make my will law. Scowl if you will, but here is La Barre’s commission, and I dare you ignore it. So answer me, Madame––you saw De Artigny bend over the body of Chevet––was your uncle then dead?”
“I know not, Monsieur; but there was no movement.”
“Why did you make no report?––was it to shield De Artigny?”
I hesitated, yet the answer had to be made.
“The Sieur de Artigny was my friend, Monsieur. I did not believe him guilty, yet my evidence would have cast suspicion upon him. I felt it best to remain still, and wait.”
“You suspected another?”
“Not then, Monsieur, but since.”
Cassion sat silent, not overly pleased with my reply, but De Baugis smiled grimly.