Then, as I came home, I met Tom as I have told you." The Senechal considered the matter for a moment.

He did not for one moment believe that Gard had had any hand in the killing of Tom Hamon.
But he could not but perceive the hostile feeling that was abroad, and his desire was, if possible, to allay it.
"It is, I should think," he said gravely, "past any man's believing that, after asking Tom's sister to marry you, you should go straight away and kill Tom, even in the hottest of hot blood, though men at such times do not always know what they are doing.

But you, from what I have seen and heard of you, are not such a man.

I am going to ask you one question in the hope that your answer may have the effect of setting you right with all who hear it.

Before God--had you any hand in the death of this man ?--have you any further knowledge of the matter whatever ?" "Before God," said Gard solemnly, his uplifted right hand as steady as a rock, "I had no hand in his death.