“Quadling had pretensions to the hand of the Countess, and sought, 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 this for a long time she refused to venture, declaring that it was only to exchange one form of death for another.  Then, as Quadling again threatened to stab her, she was compelled to accept this last chance, never hoping to win out alive.

“With Quadling’s assistance, however, she succeeded in climbing out through the window and in gaining the roof.  He had told her to wait for the first occasion when the train slackened speed to leave it and shift for herself.  With this intention he gave her a thousand francs, and bade her never show herself again.