The excitement was now absolutely painful in its intensity, and even the judge himself began walking restlessly back and forth in the space set apart for the bench.
When Major Pagebrook came out of the room with a downcast face he went immediately home, and Rosenwater, a merchant in the village, was called. When he came out, distinct efforts were made to worm the secret from him. He was mindful of his oath, however, and refused to say anything.
Finally the members of the grand jury marched slowly down stairs, and took their stand in front of the clerk's desk.
"Poll the grand jury," said the judge. When that ceremony was over, the question which everybody in the building had been mentally asking for hours was formulated by the court.
"Gentlemen of the grand jury, have you any presentments to make?"
"We have, your honor," answered the foreman.
"Read the report of the grand jury, Mr. Clerk."
The official rose and after adjusting his spectacles very deliberately, read aloud:
"We, the grand jury, on our oaths present Dr. Charles Harrison and James Madison Raves, for forgery and for a conspiracy to defraud Edwin Pagebrook, on or about the tenth day of November in this present year within the jurisdiction of this honorable court."
The crowd was fairly stunned. Nobody knew or could guess what it meant. The commonwealth's attorney was the first to speak.