The judge’s charge was a cool, impartial exposition of the law as it applied to the case. When finished, the jury arose amid a general movement of relief upon the part of the audience and as the twelve men filed out, there was considerable excited conversation, mingled with whispered speculations as to how long they would be out. Within the courtroom proper, as soon as the jury had retired, the Court instructed the sheriff to announce a recess.
A half hour passed and there was a commotion in the outer hall. The sheriff wore an agitated air. Presently, one by one, a half-dozen men walked inside the railing and dropped carelessly into chairs.
The prisoner looked at his new companions and evidently read aright their mission. They were deputy sheriffs. Four of them sat in chairs ranged behind the prisoner and one sat at either side of him.
Directly across the aisle sat Elliott Harding, apparently cool and patient.
Very soon it became generally known that a verdict had been reached.
During the next five minutes, the rooms filled rapidly. The sheriff rapped for order and shouted:
“Let everyone within the courtroom sit down.”
From that moment the stillness of death prevailed. Every eye was turned toward the prisoner. His fingers worked convulsively and his whole body trembled. But few seconds elapsed before the twelve men slowly and gravely filed into their places.
“Have you reached a verdict, gentlemen?” asked the Court, as they lined up.
“We have, Your Honor,” answered the foreman.