"There's no majority," said the foreman, who appeared to be the most helpless of the party. "As a matter of fact we are split into three camps of equal numbers, and no one will give way."
"Is there no possibility of your agreeing?" inquired the Coroner.
"If we were locked up for a week," replied the foreman, "I don't believe we should agree."
"Well," said the Coroner, with a motion as if he were giving up the thing in despair, "let me know in plain terms how the matter stands, and I will see what can be done."
"We will put it down in writing," said the foreman.
Thereupon the jury retired, and after a lapse of twenty minutes or so returned with three documents, which were handed to the Coroner. They revealed an extraordinary state of affairs.
The first, signed by four jurymen, was a verdict of Wilful Murder against some person or persons unknown.
The second, signed by four other jurymen, was a verdict of Wilful Murder against Abel Death.
When this was read out a shriek rang through the court, and Mrs. Death, starting to her feet, screamed in wild tones,
"You wicked liars! You liars! You wicked liars!"