Unless Captain Tremayne could account to the satisfaction of the
court for the manner in which he had spent that half-hour, Major
Swan did not perceive, when all the facts of motive and circumstance
were considered, what conclusion the court could reach other than
that Captain Tremayne was guilty of the death of Count Jeronymo de
Samoval in a single combat fought under clandestine and irregular
conditions, transforming the deed into technical murder.
Upon that conclusion the major sat down to mop a brow that was
perspiring freely. From Lady O'MOY in the background came faintly,
the sound of a half-suppressed moan. Terrified, she clutched the
hand of Miss Armytage, - and found that hand to lie like a thing of
ice in her own, yet she suspected nothing of the deep agitation
under her companion's, outward appearance of calm.
Captain Tremayne rose slowly to address the court in reply to the
prosecution. As he faced his, judges now he met the smouldering
eyes of Sir Terence considering him with such malevolence that he was
shocked and bewildered. Was he prejudged already, and by his best
friend? If so, what must be the attitude of the others? But the
kindly, florid countenance of the president was friendly and
encouraging; there was eager anxiety for him in the gaze of his
friend Caruthers.
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