The girl would make some terrible charge from the witness stand. The prosecuting witness would sit immovable. Her face did not blanch. It did not color to a crimson red. Her eyes did not wander. Forever they were gazing directly in front of her, yet without looking at any one and anything.
It was the gaze and composure of a woman of the world—a woman who has passed through horrors before and who has become immune.
After the jury had been selected Miss Gingles was released on bond. Previous to this time she had been confined in the county jail at her own request, as she charged her enemies were still following her and she feared they would do her injury.
At the opening of the first session of court First Assistant State's Attorney Benedict J. Short made a short address.
"Miss Gingles, and not Miss Barrett, is on trial here. You must try this case on the evidence alone," said Mr. Short.
Attorney O'Donnell declared he would show that Miss Gingles was the victim of a plot instigated by an alleged agent representing an influential Indiana Democratic politician.
Here are a few samples of questions asked veniremen by Attorney O'Donnell of the defense:
"Are you married?"
"Have you any sisters?"
"Have you read about this case?"