Pen looked at Corveth, who nodded.
"It is Ernest Riever," she said.
The effect on the two men was electrical. Hackett jumped to his feet, and supported himself with a hand on the back of his chair.
"Impossible!" he cried.
Judge Stockman in his amazement was staring at Pen almost clownishly. "Riever...!" he stammered. "Riever! ... Have you thought of what you are saying!"
A little flame of indignation was lighted in Pen's cheeks. "If he did it, does it make any difference who he is?"
"Certainly not! Certainly not! ... But Riever! ... We must be very sure! This would cause the greatest sensation of our time!"
"Best to proceed very slowly, sir!" said Hackett, pale with agitation.
"I have nothing to do with it!" said Judge Stockman with undisguised relief. "My duty is simply to try Counsell. The rest is up to the District-Attorney."
"No motive has been established," said Hackett.