The prisoner alone remained unchanged. Nothing could shake his steady soul from its composure, not the possibility of death or the prospect of release. He was absolutely imposing in his quiet presence, and Mr. Byrd could not but admire the power of the man even while recoiling from his supposed guilt.
The opening of the defence carried the minds of many back to the inquest. The nice question of time was gone into, and the moment when Mrs. Clemmens was found lying bleeding and insensible at the foot of her dining-room clock, fixed at three or four minutes past noon. The next point to be ascertained was when she received the deadly blow.
And here the great surprise of the defence occurred. Mr. Orcutt rose, and in clear, firm tones said:
"Gouverneur Hildreth, take the stand."
Instantly, and before the witness could comply, Mr. Ferris was on his feet.
"Who? what?" he cried.
"Gouverneur Hildreth," repeated Mr. Orcutt.
"Did you know this gentleman has already been in custody upon suspicion of having committed the crime for which the prisoner is now being tried?"
"I do," returned Mr. Orcutt, with imperturbable sang froid.
"And is it your intention to save your client from the gallows by putting the halter around the neck of the man you now propose to call as a witness?"