Part 33 (2/2)

The Lieutenant of Police, cross-examining the servant of M. de Fontane, then continued:--

”Where was M. de Fontane on All-Saints' Day?”

_Gustave._ ”My master left the Chateau early in the morning for Murat, where the notary resided to whom he had confided the drawing up of the contract and settlements. Monsieur was to have returned by six o'clock, bringing the papers with him; but he did not arrive till between nine and ten o'clock.”

_Lieut._ ”Let the notary be called.”

M. Francois, notary and _avocat_ of Murat, was then called to the witness-box.

_Lieut._ ”At what hour did the Chevalier de Fontane leave your offices at Murat?”

_M. Francois._ ”At about six o'clock: the papers were not ready, and he waited for them.”

_Lieut._ ”How long would it take a man to ride from Murat to the Chateau?”

_M. Francois._ ”About two hours.”

_Lieut._ ”He should then have reached Peyrelade about eight?”

_M. Francois._ ”I suppose so, Monsieur.”

_Lieut._ ”Did the Chevalier appear at all excited or out of humour?”

_M. Francois._ ”He appeared excited, and in the highest spirits; but not in the least out of humour.”

Marguerite de Peyrelade, _nee_ Pradines, was then summoned by the crier.

She rose from her chair with difficulty, leaning on the arm of the Commandeur, and was about to proceed to the witness-box, but the judge begged her to remain seated.

A sympathetic murmur ran through the court. She raised her veil and looked steadily at the Lieutenant, never once glancing towards the prisoner, who, pale and trembling, was observing her every movement.

”Madame de Peyrelade,” said the Lieutenant, ”do you remember to have heard M. de Fontane utter any hostile expressions on receipt of either of the letters lately examined?”

Madame had nothing to say beyond what had been stated by Gustave, Monsieur de Fontane's servant.

”Did Madame think that Monsieur de Fontane thoroughly pardoned the imprudent language of M. de Pradines?”

The lady said that she believed it from her heart.

”Did not Madame, on the night of her _fete_, leave the _salon_ and go out a little after nine o'clock on the terrace at the west side of the Chateau?”

She answered in the affirmative.

”Did not Madame aver that she then heard two shots fired, at a considerable distance from the Chateau?”

She did, and was greatly terrified.

”Could Madame have been mistaken as to the second report? Is Madame certain that she distinguished more than one?”

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