CHAPTER L.
SLIPPERY DICK RIGHTS A WRONG.
The prominence of the accused and of his friends, added to the sensational publication, made the case one of immense interest. The court house was crowded to its utmost and room had to be made within the bar for prominent citizens. There was a "color line" feature in the murder, and the gallery was packed with curious black faces. Edward, quiet and self-contained, sat by his lawyers, and near him was the old general and Col. Montjoy. Slightly in the rear was Barksdale, calm and observant. The State had subp[oe]ned Royson as a witness, and, smilingly indifferent, he occupied a seat as a member of the bar, inside the rail. The case was called at last.
"The State versus Edward Morgan, murder. Mr. Solicitor, what do you say for the State?" asked the court.
"Ready."
"What do you say for the defense, gentlemen?"
"Ready."
"Mr. Clerk, call the jury." The panel was called and sworn. The work of striking the jury then proceeded. Eldridge and Dabney were clever practitioners and did not neglect any precaution. The jury list was scanned and undesirable names eliminated with as much care as if the prisoner had small chance of escape.
This proceeding covered an hour, but at last the panel was complete and sworn. The defendant was so little known that this was a simple matter.