The witnesses for the prosecution were one after the other duly sworn and examined; and they deposed to the fatally condemning circumstances attending the murder of Rosa Blondelle as they are already known to the reader.
This examination occupied about an hour. At its close the magistrate turned to the accused lady, and inquired what she had to say in defence.
Sybil arose, and answered by giving the explanation that she had already made, on the night of the murder.
The magistrate heard her through, but then instructed her that her unsupported assertion was no evidence, and would not be received as such, and called upon her to produce her witnesses.
Sybil was about to answer that she had no witnesses to produce, when a look from her counsel arrested her speech.
He respectfully took her hand, replaced her in her seat, and then standing up, he said:
"My client has given a true explanation of the facts that have led so many persons to a false conclusion. But all further defence, we reserve for a higher tribunal."
And having said this, he sat down. He knew that no amount of defence would now save Sybil from being committed for trial, and his object was therefore to shorten this ordeal.
The magistrate then directed his clerk to make out the mittimus. When the instrument was ready, he signed it and looked around for some officer to execute it.
"I will take charge of the warrant and the lady," said the high sheriff, interposing.