At this, there was a frightful calmness in the manner of the judge that seemed to appall the assemblage, and a murmur of pity arose from some.
The silence lasted but for a moment, and then the witnesses for the prosecution were ordered by the justice to come forward.
Hank Putney, the scout, was the first called.
“Do you know the prisoner?” asked the judge.
“I do,” returned the man, casting a careless glance at Edgar.
“How long have you known him?”
“Wal, let me see,” and he began to count his fingers; “about—about—I reckon since Jenuary last.”
“During this time, have you ever noticed any thing suspicious in his conduct that would lead you to believe him a British spy?”
“Yes, yer honor, somethin’ tarnation strong, I should say.”
“State it.”