_Louis Masson_, groom to Madame de Peyrelade, was next examined.
_Lieut. of Police._ "You were in the stables when Monsieur de Fontane returned on the evening of All Saints' Day?"
_L. Masson._ "I was, Monsieur le Lieutenant."
_Lieut._ "In what condition was his horse when he arrived?"
_L. Masson._ "The horse was covered with sweat, and appeared to have been ridden fast. It trembled a good deal likewise, as if it had been frightened, and there were some spots of blood on the chest and knees. The saddle was also spotted with blood."
_Lieut._ "How did M. de Fontane seem when he rode in?"
_L. Masson._ "He seemed very much excited, M. le Lieutenant. His neckcloth and waistcoat were stained with blood, and his hand was tied in a handkerchief."
_Lieut._ "Did he make any remarks to you about it?"
_L. Masson._ "Yes, Monsieur, he laughed a good deal, in a wild sort of way, and said he had been settling a wolf among the mountains."
There was a movement of horror throughout the Court.
_L. Masson._ "Why, yes, Monsieur; none of us doubted him, for he's a brave young gentleman, and has killed many a noted wolf in the woods about Pradines, in the old Baron's time. To be sure, when M. le Baron was brought in, soon after, we could not help recollecting the disagreement which they had lately had, and we did think that M. le Chevalier had indeed settled a wolf; but one of another sort. However, I said nothing till Pierre the _boutillier_ spoke out to your worship in the hall."
_Lieut._ "Bring into court the clothes worn by the Chevalier de Fontane and the firearms that he carried about his person on the evening in question."
A servant here laid some clothes, a musket, and a pair of holsters on the table. The clothes were then carefully examined, The waistcoat, cravat, and shirt-front were spotted in several places with blood. The lawyers shook their heads, and the prisoner's advocate, who had not yet spoken, looked grave and uneasy.
"This weapon has been discharged," he said, as he passed it to the Judge for inspection.
He then drew the pistols from the holsters, and examined the priming of both.
"Neither of these pistols has been used," he said, as he passed them on. "Both are loaded."
_No second shot, therefore, had been fired._