"Any questions, Mr. Prosecutor?"
"None, your honour. The State does not desire to present argument. It is content to submit its case to the jury without argument, asking only that a verdict be rendered fairly and squarely upon the evidence as introduced. All we ask is justice."
"Any argument, Mr. Gwynne?"
"None, your honour. The defence is satisfied to leave its case entirely in the hands of the jury."
"Gentlemen of the jury," said the Court, glancing at the clock, "the Court will omit its instructions to you, merely advising you that if you find the prisoner guilty as charged your verdict must be murder in the first degree, the penalty for which is death."
"Judge" Billings leaned over and picked up his hat from the floor. Then he arose and announced:
"We, the jury, find the defendant not guilty."
"Prisoner discharged," said the Court, arising. "The Court desires to thank the jurors for the close attention you have paid to the evidence in this case and for the prompt and just verdict you have returned. Court stands adjourned."
Later on Moll Hawk walked up the hill with Mrs. Gwyn and Viola. Very few words had passed between them since they left the curious but friendly crowd in the public square. Finally Moll's dubious thoughts found expression in words, breaking in upon the detached reflections of her two companions.
"I don't see why they let me off like that, Mis' Gwyn. I killed him, didn't I?"