"You, Mr. Fortescue!" exclaimed the magistrate, in surprise at the condescension of the high sheriff.
"Yes, I," coolly answered the latter.
"But Mr. Magistrate, we are prepared to offer bail," put in Sybil's counsel.
"Not a bailable case, Mr. Sheridan, as you, being a lawyer, should be very well aware. No case in which the prisoner is arrested upon the charge of a capital crime can be bailed."
"I believe you speak of a rule. I speak of an exception. This lady was not arrested. She came forward, in the consciousness of innocence, and gave herself up, fairly challenging a trial! It is not likely, therefore, that she would run away, if released upon bail."
"Quibbles, sir! quibbles! I know of no exceptions to this rule! Mr. Sheriff, remove the prisoner."
Mr. Fortescue drew Sybil's arm within his own, and whispered to her:
"I will take you back to the Judge's room, where we will remain while Sheridan goes before the Court and puts in an application for bail."
Sybil drew her veil again before her face as she was led from the magistrate's office back to the Judge's room, where she found her young escort, still anxiously awaiting her.
"It is all right, Raphael," she said, "or rather it will be all right very soon! Will it not, Mr. Fortescue?"