There was a pause.

“Whose is it?” said the foreman, sharply.

Eli turned a little red.

“It's mine,” he said.

“Do you mean it?” said the foreman.

“Of course I mean it,” he answered.

“Whew!” whistled the foreman. “Very well, sir; we'll have an understanding, then. This case is proved to the satisfaction of every man who heard it, I may safely say, but one. Will that one please state the grounds of his opinion?”

“I ain't no talker,” said Eli, “but I ain't satisfied he 's guilty—that's all.”

“Don't you believe the witnesses?”

“Mostly.”