P.--When you were examined a few hours after the crime, you declared that you had not recognized the murderer. More than that, when M. de Boiscoran’s name was mentioned, you seemed to be indignant of such a suspicion, and almost became surety yourself for his innocence. C.C.--That was contrary to truth. I felt a very natural sense of commiseration, and tried to save a man who belonged to a highly esteemed family from disgraceful punishment. P.--But now? C.C.--Now I see that I was wrong, and that the law ought to have its course. And this is my reason for coming here,--although afflicted by a disease which never spares, and on the point of appearing before God--in order to tell you M. de Boiscoran is guilty. I recognized him. P.--(To the accused.) Do you hear? The accused rises and says,-- A.--By all that is dear and sacred to me in the world, I swear that I am innocent. Count Claudieuse says he is about to appear before God: I appeal to the justice of God. Sobs well-nigh drown the voice of the accused. The Marchioness de Boiscoran is overcome by a nervous attack. She is carried out stiff and inanimate; and Dr. Seignebos and Miss Chandore hasten after her. A.--(To Count Claudieuse.) You have killed my mother! Certainly, all who had hoped for scenes of thrilling interest were not disappointed. Everybody looks overcome with excitement. Tears appear in the eyes of almost all the ladies. And yet those who watch the glances which are exchanged between M. de Boiscoran and Count Claudieuse cannot help asking themselves, if there is not something else between these two men, besides what the trial has made known. We cannot explain to ourselves these singular answers given to the president’s questions, nor does any one understand the silence observed by M. de Boiscoran’s counsel. Do they abandon their client? No; for we see them go up to him, shake hands with him, and lavish upon him every sign of friendly consolation and encouragement. We may even be permitted to say, that, to all appearances, the president himself and the prosecuting attorney were, for a moment, perfectly overcome with surprise. At all events, we thought so at the moment. But the president continues,-- P.--I have but just been asking the accused, count, whether there was any ground of enmity between you. C.C.--(In a steadily declining voice.) I know no other ground except our lawsuit about a little stream of water. P.--Has not the accused once threatened to fire at you? C.C.--Yes; but I did not think he was in earnest, and I never resented the matter. P. Do you persist in your declaration? C.C.--I do. And once more, upon my oath, I declare solemnly that I recognized, in such a manner as to prevent any possible mistake, M. Jacques Boiscoran.