The only one of the three who was at all the worse for wine on their return from Pincote was Mr. Osmond. Had several times seen him in a similar condition. On such occasions he was very talkative, and rather inclined to be quarrelsome. Osmond was in error in saying that prisoner played with the wrong ball. Witness, in his position as marker, was watching the game very carefully, and was certain that no such mistake was made. Osmond was grossly insulting; and prisoner, all through the quarrel, acted with the greatest forbearance. It was not till after Osmond had thrown the brandy-and-seltzer in his face that prisoner laid hands on him at all. The instant after, Osmond drew his revolver and fired. The bullet just missed prisoner’s head and lodged in the wall behind him. After Osmond left the room no animosity or ill-feeling was evinced by prisoner towards him. On the contrary, prisoner expressed his deep regret that such a fracas should have taken place under his roof. Had not the slightest fear that there would be any renewal of the quarrel afterwards, or would not have left for London next morning. Certainly thought that an ample apology was due from Osmond, and never doubted that such an apology would be forthcoming when he had slept off the effects of the wine. Was never more surprised or shocked in his life than when he heard of the murder, and that his cousin was accused of the crime. It seemed to him too horrible for belief. Could not conceive of any possible motive that the prisoner could have for committing such a crime. “Would you not almost as soon expect to have been the author of such a crime yourself?” asked Mr. Tressil. Mr. St. George turned a shade paler than he was before, and for the first time he seemed to hesitate a little before answering the question. “Yes,” he said at last, “I should almost as soon expect such a thing. In fact, I cannot, even now, believe that my cousin, Lionel Dering, is the murderer of Percy Osmond.” Mr. Tressil sat down, and Mr. Little rose to his feet. “On the night of the quarrel prisoner complained to you of having a very violent headache?” “He did.” “And you proffered to administer to him a dose of a certain narcotic which you had found to be efficacious in such cases yourself?” “I did.” “How many drops of the narcotic did you administer to the prisoner?” “Fifteen, in water.” “You saw him drink it?” “I did.” “You yourself are troubled with violent headaches at times?” “I am.” “At such times you administer to yourself a dose of the same narcotic that you administered to the prisoner?” “I do.” “And you derive great benefit from it?” “Invariably.” “How many drops of the narcotic do you take yourself on such occasions?” “Fifteen, in water.” “Is that your invariable dose?” “It is.” “Speaking for yourself, what is the effect it has upon you on such occasions?”