I felt the awkwardness of the situation. Appearances were against me.
Some explanation must be given.
Stepping nearer, I bent down by the side of the young girl; and as soon
as her silence gave me an opportunity of being heard, repeated my
asseveration.
"It is not _his_ blood," I said, "but that of another. Your friend has
received no wound--at least none lately given, and least of all by _me_.
His death--if he be dead--has been caused by this."