Against Collins I am ready to present a charge of murder in the first degree." The accused persons looked gravely at their lawyer.

But he remained entirely unperturbed, not even vouchsafing a mild protest against the detective's direct accusations.
It was the coroner who broke the silence.
"Then as I understand it," he said, "you wish me to commit Collins on a charge of first degree murder, and Mrs.Collins and Ward as accessories before the fact ?" "Precisely," answered the detective.
"Of course, I don't want to take so drastic a step unless I am compelled." The coroner shook his head dubiously.

He had been primed by Britz and was following the part which he had been directed to play.

"As the evidence stands, I can see no other course to pursue.

But I'm not going to commit anyone on such a terrible charge simply because the police request it.