wholly
obscure to Billy's thoughts, he was nonplussed, evincing a confusion indeed that
some observers, such as can be imagined, would have construed into involuntary
evidence of hidden guilt. Nevertheless he strove some way to answer, but all at
once relinquished the vain endeavour, at the same time turning an appealing
glance towards Captain Vere, as deeming him his best helper and friend. Captain
Vere, who had been seated for a time, rose to his feet, addressing the
interrogator. »The question you put to him comes naturally enough. But how can
he rightly answer it, or anybody else? unless indeed it be he who lies within
there,« designating the compartment where lay the corpse. »But the prone one
there will not rise to our summons. In effect though, as it seems to me, the
point you make is hardly material. Quite aside from any conceivable motive
actuating the master-at-arms, and irrespective of the provocation of the blow, a
martial court must needs in the present case confine its attention to the blow's
consequence, which consequence is to be deemed not otherwise than as the
striker's deed!«
    This utterance, the full significance of which it was not at all likely that
Billy took in, nevertheless caused him to turn a wistful, interrogative look
toward the speaker, a look in its dumb expressiveness not unlike that which a
dog of generous breed might turn upon his master, seeking in his face some
elucidation of a previous gesture ambiguous to the canine intelligence. Nor was
the same utterance without marked effect upon the three officers, more
especially the soldier. Couched in it seemed to them a meaning unanticipated,
involving a prejudgment on the speaker's part. It served to augment a mental
disturbance previously evident enough.
    The soldier once more spoke, in a tone of suggestive dubiety addressing at
once his associates and Captain Vere: »Nobody is present - none of the ship's
company, I mean, who might shed lateral light, if any is to be had, upon what
remains mysterious in this matter.«
    »That is thoughtfully put,« said Captain Vere; »I see your drift. Ay, there
is a mystery; but to use a Scriptural phrase, it is a mystery of iniquity, a
matter for psychological theologians to discuss. But what has a military court
to do with it? Not to add that for us, any possible investigation of it is cut
off by the lasting tongue-tie of - him - in yonder,« again designating the
mortuary state-room. »The