by bribes and entreaties, to interest witness in his suit. Witness
often spoke of him in complimentary terms to her mistress, who was
not very favourably disposed towards him.

"One afternoon (two days before the murder) Quadling paid a
lengthened visit to the Countess. Witness did not hear what
occurred, but Quadling came out much distressed, and again urged
her to speak to the Countess. He had heard of the approaching
departure of the lady from Rome, but said nothing of his own
intentions.

"Witness was much surprised to find him in the sleeping-car, but
had no talk to him till the following morning, when he asked her
to obtain an interview for him with the Countess, and promised a
large reward. In making this offer he produced a wallet and
exhibited a very large number of notes.

"Witness was unable to persuade the Countess, although she
returned to the subject frequently. Witness so informed Quadling,
who then spoke to the lady, but was coldly received.

"During the journey witness thought much over the situation.
Admitted that the sight of Quadling's money had greatly disturbed
her, but, although pressed, would not say when the first idea of
robbing him took possession of her. (Note by Judge--That she had
resolved to do so is, however, perfectly clear, and the conclusion
is borne out by her acts. It was she who secured the Countess's
medicine bottle; she, beyond doubt, who drugged the porter at
Laroche. In no other way can her presence in the sleeping-car
between Laroche and Paris be accounted for-presence which she does
not deny.)

"Witness at last reluctantly confessed that she entered the
compartment where the murder was committed, and at a critical
moment. An affray was actually in progress between the Italian
Ripaldi and the incriminated man Quadling, but the witness arrived
as the last fatal blow was struck by the latter.

"She saw it struck, and saw the victim fall lifeless on the floor.

"Witness declared she was so terrified she could at first utter no
cry, nor call for help, and before she could recover herself the
murderer threatened her with the ensanguined knife. She threw
herself on her knees, imploring pity, but the man Quadling told
her that she was an eye-witness, and could take him to the
guillotine,--she also must die.

"Witness at last prevailed on him to spare her life, but only on
condition that she would leave the car. He indicated the window as
the only way of escape; but on th