He paused, coughed slightly, and, removing from his green bag a folded paper, continued: "In addition, it is my duty to inform the Court that a person named Farlan left the jurisdiction of this tribunal upon the day after Monohan's conviction of the offence for which my client is now on trial.
"After such an unfortunate mistake," said Crookshanks with an almost imperceptible twinkle in his "jury eye," "he can hardly be expected to assist voluntarily in a second prosecution. I hold in my hand his affidavit that he has left the State never to return."
The Judge had left his chair and was striding up and down the dais. He now turned wrathfully upon poor Dockbridge.
"What do you mean by trying a case before me prepared in such a fashion? This is a disgraceful miscarriage of justice! I shall lay the matter before the District Attorney in person! Mr. Crookshanks has correctly stated the law. I am absolutely compelled to discharge this defendant, who, by his own statement, ought to be incarcerated in State Prison! I—I—the Court has been hoodwinked! The District Attorney made ridiculous! As for you," casting a withering glance upon the prisoner, "if I ever have the opportunity, I shall punish you as you deserve!"
Dead silence fell upon the court-room. The clerk arose and cleared his throat.
"Mr. Foreman, have you agreed upon a verdict? What say you? Do you find the defendant guilty, or not guilty?"
"Not guilty," replied the foreman, somewhat doubtfully.
There was a smothered demonstration in the rear of the court-room. A few spectators had the temerity to clap their hands.
"Silence! Silence in the court!" shouted the Captain.
The clerk faced the prisoner.