He was either fortified by the cruel composure of a savage, or his faculties had not yet thoroughly recovered from the disease that had so lately shaken them.

The magistrate seemed to doubt if he was in his right mind; but the evidence of the medical man relieved this uncertainty, and the prisoner was committed for trial on a charge of manslaughter.
Why not on a charge of murder?
Robert explained the law to me when I asked that question.

I accepted the explanation, but it did not satisfy me.

Mary Mallinson was killed by a blow from the hand of Noah Truscott.
That is murder in the sight of God.

Why not murder in the sight of the law also?
* * * * * June 18th.