Edwards, his valet, had gone out with me to look for some article I had lost, and by chance we came upon them.

We saw her give him money; we saw her dreadfully frightened; and when Edwards met his master again his face betrayed him--we had to tell him all." "Did any one hear the prisoner use those words, 'I'll have their hearts' blood!' on the night of the murder, but yourself ?" "Yes; Edwards, his valet, and Claudine, the lady's maid.

We crouched together in the hall, frightened almost to death." "When did the prisoner reappear ?" "In little over half an hour.

He rushed in in the same wild way he had rushed out--like a man gone mad." "What did he say ?" "He shouted, 'It is false--a false, devilish slander! She is not there!'" "Well--and then ?" "And then Claudine shrieked aloud and pointed to his hands.

They were dripping with blood!" "Did he attempt any explanation ?" "Not then.