On the other hand, it gives a guilty aspect to Collins's conduct.

Yet I am convinced that Collins did NOT do the shooting, while one of the others did.
"There is only one way in which we can single out the murderer.

I have found that way." To the two listeners Britz's statement sounded almost like a confession of failure.

It was an indirect admission that he had not learned the identity of the murderer--that he had nothing on which to base a direct accusation.
"We've got to break their silence!" Britz exclaimed impressively.

"As long as they remain mute, they are safe.