And some, among whom were Signor
Fortini, and Signor Logarini the Commissary of Police, were
persuaded that the old man was going to trump up some story in the
hope of saving his countrywoman, Paolina.
"Were it not for the necessity of protecting the innocent, Signori,
God knows how much I should prefer to carry my terrible secret with
me to the grave. Signori miei, these eyes SAW the deed done, that
put the sleeping woman to death. Only God and I, the lowest of his
servants! God and I saw the Marchese Lamberto di Castelmare do that
deed!"
A loud indignant murmur of incredulity was beginning to rise
throughout the crowded court, like the first getting up of a storm
wind.
But it was suddenly hushed, and turned into a spasm of horror and
intense shock, that made every man hold his breath, when the sound
of a sudden heavy fall was heard; and it was seen that the Marchese
Lamberto had fallen insensible to the ground.
CHAPTER VIII
The Truth!
The Professor Tomosarchi was in the court, and had been, as it
happened, though unseen by the Marchese, fixing his eyes on him at
the moment when the catastrophe narrated in the last chapter
occurred. Springing forwards, therefore, the medical man was in a
moment by the side of his old friend.
If, according to the strict letter of the requirements of their
duty, the magistrates or the police authorities present ought, under
the circumstances, to have prevented the free departure of the
accused man to his own home, it did not occur to any one to do so.
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