Of course he denied all knowledge of the shot that had killed Max's horse.

Others were questioned, including three Italian friars wearing cassocks and cowls, who bore a most wondrous testimony.
"Your Grace," said one of the friars, "we three men of God can explain this matter that so nearly touches the honor of our fair countryman, the noble Count Calli." "In God's name, do so," exclaimed the duke.
"This is the explanation, most gracious lord.

When the third course was preparing, we three men of God prayed in concert to God the Father,"-- all the friars crossed themselves,--"God the Son, and God the Holy Ghost, to save our countryman, and lo! our prayers were most graciously answered; for, noble lord, at the moment when this most valiant knight was about to kill our friend, we each heard a report marvellously like to the discharge of an arquebuse.

At the same instant a fiery shaft descended from the palm of a mighty hand in the heavens, and the horse of this valiant and most generous knight, Sir Max, fell dead, stricken by the hand of God." I had no doubt that this absurd explanation would be received with scorn and derision; but the friar knew his audience, and I did not.

His statement was not really accepted as true, but it was not cast aside as utterly absurd.