A man, or a number of men, can even be what I may term unconscious accomplices, in the sense that their actions and instructions have brought about a crime, though their intent may have stopped short of actual violence.

I assure you, my lord, the arm of the law reaches far when life is taken, and the death of a popular and prominent journalist like Mr.Hunter will be inquired into most searchingly." The detective spoke so impressively that Lord Valletort eyed him with a species of misgiving, while Count Vassilan, whose knowledge of English was excellent, had broken out into a perspiration.
A smooth, mellifluous voice suddenly intervened.

Otto Schmidt thought fit to assume a role for which Lord Valletort was manifestly ill equipped.
"We seem to be dealing with two items which, though related, by accident, as it were, yet differ widely.

The Earl of Valletort is interested only in his daughter's marriage, Mr.Steingall." The detective wheeled round on him.
"Precisely, Mr.Schmidt, but it happens, unfortunately, that the marriage of Lady Hermione and Mr.Curtis was the direct outcome of the murder of Mr.Hunter.

More than that, Mr.Hunter met his death because of the plot and counter-plot attending the preliminary arrangements for her ladyship's marriage.