All eyes were fixed on the speaker, who adjusted the black patch on his blind eye, and spoke with the vigor of a man who knew that he was right.
"Yes," put in Ransom Vane, "there has been a great mistake. This man," pointing to Barkswell, "is the outlaw, and by confounding him with Mr. Bordine an innocent man has been deeply wronged."
"It is false—"
"Never mind putting in your lip," sneered the irrepressible peddler.
"There's crimes enough against you, young man, to sink you to perdition.
You are now arrested for the murder of a beautiful, innocent girl—"
"But I never harmed her, I swear it," cried the prisoner, trembling with deep excitement.
"Who did, then?"
"I don't know; but—"
"Is this yours?"
Shanks held up a gleaming dagger.
"No," with a start.