"Would make our city the laughing-stock of the state," put in Graves, his interruption of the judge passing unheeded. "Skinner, you know you can't leave this court with that girl—"
Here a small boy broke in:
"She's the girl that twiggled her fingers at the minister."
Dominie Graves hushed the speaker with a wave of his hand, and went on:
"You have committed a murder, Skinner, and have been condemned to die by hanging."
His voice was low and vibrant.
"And there's no escape for you, Skinner," he finished.
As his voice died away, Ithaca received another impetus to curiosity and interest. A tall man in the back row rose and came forward.
"Mr. Graves," said the stranger solemnly, "you say that this man is to hang for murder. I say that he shall be given another chance for his life, and that he shall not hang if I can prevent it."
Deforrest Young, the noted professor of law from the University, was looking at Graves. A frown gathered on the broad brow of the minister, and every one gasped as the professor took Tessibel's hands in his.