"Hum!" ejaculated the surgeon, working his fingers spasmodically. "What more?"
"The—the man went back up the ward. The orderly awoke before the man could escape. He sprang at the orderly and struck him down with something in his hand, Excellency."
"Hum! Is that all?"
"All I heard and saw, Excellency."
"Could you see the murderer clearly? Would you know him again? Describe him," commanded Doctor Herschall, while the intake of breath on the part of the listeners was audible.
"I—I could not see the man clearly. But I know him," whispered Ernest.
"How do you know him? Are you positive?"
"Absolutely, Herr Doktor," said the boy with more confidence. "By his step. I heard him clearly—it is not to be mistaken."
"Ah!" It was a chorused murmur from all over the ward.
Erard had come down the aisle. He stood in full view of the frightened Ernest.