He was pale, but otherwise composed, and the first part of his evidence was no more than a confirmation of what Mullins had said, an exact and strictly truthful statement of the circumstances as he had witnessed them from the moment when Mullins had summoned him.
"You were present, I believe, Sir Terence," said Major Swan, "at an altercation that arose on the previous day between Captain Tremayne and the deceased ?" "Yes.

It happened at lunch here at Monsanto." "What was the nature of it ?" "Count Samoval permitted himself to criticise adversely Lord Wellington's enactment against duelling, and Captain Tremayne defended it.

They became a little heated, and the fact was mentioned that Samoval himself was a famous swordsman.

Captain Tremayne made the remark that famous swordsmen were required by Count Samoval's country to, save it from invasion.

The remark was offensive to the deceased, and although the subject was abandoned out of regard for the ladies present, it was abandoned on a threat from Count Samoval to continue it later." "Was it so continued ?" "Of that I have no knowledge." Invited to cross-examine the witness, Captain Tremayne again declined, admitting freely that all that Sir Terence had said was strictly true.
Then Carruthers, who appeared to be intent to act as the prisoner's friend, took up the examination of his chief.
"It is of course admitted that Captain Tremayne enjoyed free access to Monsanto practically at all hours in his capacity as your military secretary, Sir Terence ?" "Admitted," said Sir Terence.
"And it is therefore possible that he might have come upon the body of the deceased just as Mullins came upon it ?" "It is possible, certainly.