The sheriff cleared the way to the porch, where the little patch of flour had been preserved by ropes stretched from post to post, and the outside crowd, pressing closer, watched breathlessly while the jury bent together and compared the shoes and the marks.
It required but a few moments' examination to demonstrate that the soles of the accused woman's shoes were larger and broader and entirely different in every way.
"She may have worn another shoe," Kitsong put in.
"Of course! We'll find that out," retorted the coroner.
As they returned to the room Hanscom said to the witness: "Now be very careful what you reply. Take plenty of time before you answer. If you are in doubt, say nothing."
In the sympathy of his glance her haughty pose relaxed and her eyes softened. "You are very kind," she said.
"I don't know a thing about law," he added, apologetically, "but I may be able to help you."
The coroner now told the jury that Mr. Hanscom, as representing the witness at the hearing, would be allowed to ask any questions he pleased before the end of the hearing.
"But I must insist upon taking measurements of your bare feet, Miss McLaren."
The jury grinned and the girl flushed with anger, but at a word from the ranger yielded and drew off her stocking.